New measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic, in the midst of the new Omicron variant, were announced this morning at the cabinet meeting by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
According to the Prime Minister, the vaccination for those over 60 years of age becomes mandatory with a margin for the specific age group to book its appointments for the first dose to be by January 16th. Those who are not vaccinated will pay a fine of 100 euros each month. The Prime Minister also announced that from December 6 to 12 he will distribute a self test to every adult, vaccinated and not.
Of the 580,000 unvaccinated citizens over the age of 60, only 60,000 rushed to be vaccinated in November, according to the prime minister. That is, 520,000 citizens over the age of 60 remain unvaccinated.
The analysis of the data showed that in relation to countries that have almost the same population as Greece, our country is far behind in vaccinations, especially in the most vulnerable groups of the population, led to the adoption of new measures.
The scientific and operational data that led the government to the mandatory decision:
1) 9 out of 10 deaths from COVID concern citizens 60+
2) 7 in 10 intubated patients are 60+
3) 8 out of 10 intubated are unvaccinated
4) in the last month, the increase of new appointments in the population group 60+ is only 3% compared to 5-15% in the remaining ages, while the risk is inversely proportional for this population group.
5) in countries such as Portugal and Denmark that have achieved 99% vaccination in this group the pressure on the health system and the loss of lives is up to 10 times less than in Greece
Latest News
European Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points
It is the fourth cut of interest rates by Europe’s central bank, a move expected by the markets and financial analysts leading to the rate settling at 3%.
Airbnb: New Measures Add €600 in Extra Costs for Property Owners
Property managers face an immediate administrative fine of 5,000 euros if access to the inspected property is denied or any of the specified requirements are not met.
Economist: Greece Included in the Best Performing Economies in 2024
Meanwhile, Northern European countries disappoint, with sluggish performances from the United Kingdom and Germany.
EasyJet Expands Its Routes from Athens
The airline’s two new routes will be to London Luton and Alicante and they will commence in summer 2025.
Capital Link Forum Highlights Greece’s Economic Resurgence; Honors BoG Gov Stournaras
Capital Link Hellenic Leadership Award recipient, Bank of Greece Gov. Yannis Stournaras, an ex-FinMin, was lauded for his pivotal role during Greece’s economic recovery
Tourist Spending in Greece Up by 14%, Visa Card Analysis Shows
Greece’s capital Athens emerged as the most popular destination, recording a 17% increase in transactions with Visa cards, surpassing even the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos.
Inflation in Greece Unchanged at 2.4% in Nov. 2024
The general consumer price index (CPI) posted a 0.4% decrease in November compared to the previous month
2024 Christmas Holidays: Extended Shop Hours Schedule
The 2024 Christmas Holidays extended shop hours schedule commences on Thursday, December 12 and runs until the end of the year.
ELSTAT: Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Down in October
The number of employed individuals reached 4,284,694, an increase of 67,723 compared to October 2023 (+1.6%) and 22,002 compared to September 2024 (+0.5%).
Greek PM’s Chief Economic Adviser Resigns
In the post on his Facebook page, Patelis did not disclose the reasons that led him to step down.