Skopje, 15 February 2022 (MIA) – Although the epidemiological situation is improving, it doesn’t mean that it is good. The citizens should go and get a third, booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, because it has proven to be the best way to prevent severe symptoms, hospitalization and death, said doctor Aleksandar Petlichkovski, President of the Commission for Infectious Diseases. Speaking to members of the media after a Commission meeting on Tuesday, Petlichkovski noted there is a rise in new cases among children aged 6-14 attending in-person classes. “However, there’s no room for concern. We strongly urge educational authorities to abide by the in-person attendance protocols and students and teachers to accept to be tested,” the doctor stressed, announcing that three more testing facilities will open in Skopje. Asked about the analysis on mortality rate, Petlichkovski said that most fatalities weren’t vaccinated or fully vaccinated or had been fully vaccinated with two doses more than six months ago. Calling on the citizens to receive a booster shot, the doctor said that not a single boosted person has died and hospitalizations are very rare. “The booster shot protects significantly from hospitalization and death. We’ve been witnessing debates with unverified facts recently, but the data we have proves that the third dose is the best protection,” Petlichkovski told the news conference. He added that initial results from the COVID-19 screening, which began in Skopje on Monday, are expected next week.