Skopje, 26 January 2022 (MIA) – Due to a continued surge in COVID-19 infections and in order to expand hospital capacity, the Commission for Infectious Diseases has recommended at a session on Wednesday that Skopje-based dermatology and neurology clinics continue working as covid centers, and an additional covid department be opened within the ‘8 September’ hospital. The three public health institutions have been aptly informed to undertake all necessary activities, the Ministry of Health said. Health Minister Bekim Sali has also attended Wednesday’s meeting of the Commission for Infectious Diseases discussing the current COVID-19 situation in the country. According to the daily reports from hospital wards and covid centers, reads the press release, a total of 573 people are currently admitted for hospital treatment, of which 180 in Skopje and 393 in health centers across the country. The Ministry of Health also instructed several other health institutions to prepare to be responsive in terms of COVID-19 patients’ treatment. In addition, monitoring the epidemiological situation, the Commission for Infectious Diseases recommended that the second semester of the 2021/2022 school year resumes with in-person learning for all students in elementary schools and high schools, while strictly adhering to COVID-19 precautions and protocols, the press release reads.