Greece Rules Out Measures Despite Rising Covid-19 Cases

Greek Heath Minister Thanos Plevris ruled out the possibility of new measures to deal with the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Greece over the last few days.

In an interview to SKAI television, Plevris confirmed that infectious diseases experts were expecting a summer resurgence of the deadly virus, which he said was not putting pressure on the public healthcare system at the moment.

Meanwhile, other European countries such as the UK and France are faced with a new wave of Covid-19 and increasing hospitalizations due to sub-variants of the Omicron strain.

On Thursday, Greece reported 7,158 new Covid cases and eight related deaths.

Health Minister Thanos Plevris

“All models we are using do not indicate dynamics that will put pressure on the health system so that we will need to take measures,” said Plevris, adding that data will be re-examined in September and a new action plan announced then, which “may or may not require many or no measures” he said.

Referring to the sudden spike in coronavirus cases in Greece, Plevris said it was due “mobility and mutations that are more contagious”. He reiterated however his call on people belonging to vulnerable groups to maintain social distances and wear masks and to proceed with vaccination.

Masks

Commenting on the rise in cases, Matina Pagoni, president of the Athens and Piraeus Hospital Doctors’ Association (EINAP), said it was “expected. There is mobility, there is tourism. It is important that there is no increase in biomarkers, deaths and intubations,” she told ERT, stressing also that masks should be worn in crowded spaces.

It is reminded, that Greeks and visiting travelers are no longer required to wear masks inside or outdoors, including at restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. However, masks are mandatory on public transport – buses, trams, the metro and electric railway – in taxis and on board ferries (indoors only).