Skopje, 17 October 2021 (MIA) – Health Minister Venko Filipche said a new Covid-19 measure is to be introduced as of October, whereby citizens will be required to present proof of full immunization, with two vaccine doses. According to Filipche, no other restrictions are being mulled for the time being. The number of new Covid-19 cases is currently similar to that of the past few days, and there’s neither an increase in the number of children admitted to hospital. Decisions on any changes in the school model will be made after an expert analysis is completed. Results of the analysis are expected on Saturday and will be an indicator of whether additional measures will be proposed. Then, on Sunday or Monday, authorities are expected to hold a meeting. Filipche said it was still early for mandatory vaccination, although such a move is not ruled out as an option for some countries by the end of this or next year. “It‘s still early for mandatory vaccination, but I do not rule out the possibility. Some countries may introduce such a measure next year, but for now the citizens should be aware and respond to the calls to be vaccinated, because it’s the only way to fight against the pandemic,” said Filipche, pointing out that pressure on hospitals is the lowest in the cities where vaccination rates are the highest including Ohrid, Resen, Vevchani, Negotino, Kavadarci, whereas hospital pressure is huge where vaccination rates are lowest including Ttovo and Gostivar. Filipce stressed the goal is to make decisions based on arguments, to confirm the specific situation in the regions. Children, he noted, are transmitters of the virus but the parents are protected if they are vaccinated. The Minister once again urges all citizens to get vaccines, as the vaccination rate is still low. -In the past few days, the number of new cases has been somewhat steady, 500 - 600. It’s difficult to say whether this number will drop. Vaccination is running smoothly at all vaccination sites. In the past few days there has been a decrease in interest in vaccination, it’s about 2,000. A total of 767,000 citizens have been vaccinated. The virus is spreading and has a severe form among those unvaccinated, over 90 percent of all deaths are registered in unvaccinated citizens and out of the 30,000 citizens diagnosed September 6-16, 21 percent have been vaccinated. I urge citizens to get vaccinated, the rate is still low. A much higher percentage is needed to achieve full immunity and change the picture with the pandemic,” said Filipche.