Greece: Covid-19 Measures in the Fall Unlikely

There will be no need for Covid-19 measures in the fall, said Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris on Wednesday, after assessment of epidemiological data.

“We have treatment protocols, a vaccinated population, variants and antiviral drugs. This comprehensive combination allows us to be optimistic that we will not return to mandatory measures and restrictions,” he said, speaking on SKAI television.

The minister went on to add that should some restrictions be required, they will be “mild” but he reiterated his call on people to continue wearing face masks particularly in crowded areas and indoors.

Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris speaking on SKAI TV.

“We are prepared to take action if there is a different dynamic,” said Plevris, confirming that experts were expecting new waves of Covid-19 in the fall.

The health ministry and the country’s Covid committee are focusing on individual responsibility and guidance rather than restrictions.

“We do not want to go to mandatory measures. There will be recommendations as there are now for the use of face masks where there are crowds and in closed spaces, but we do not want to go back to restrictive measures,” he said.

In any case, the health ministry will reassess the epidemiological situation in September and take into account whether the national health system is under strain before it decides on possible measures.

CDC relaxes quarantine guidelines

At the same time, last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its Covid guidelines and no longer recommends social distancing to reduce the risk of exposure or quarantine for people with Covid-19. The CDC does however encourage testing for those who have symptoms and for their close contacts and advises people testing positive to remain at home for a period of five days and wear a high-protection mask for 10 days.

According to the National Public Health Organization (EODY) weekly report, Greece reported 73,710 Covid-19 cases, 21 percent of the cases were repeat infections and 15,482 were in Attica, 2,343 hospitalizations, 120 ICU admissions and 258 deaths.

Meanwhile, Greek health experts are not expecting Centaurus, the new Covid-19 variant, to become dominant in the country.