Health Minister – The first case of Omicron in Greece

The first case of the Omicron variant in Greece was confirmed.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Health Thanos Plevris in the briefing on the mandatory vaccination of 60-year-olds.

The case was located in Crete. This is a Greek who arrived at the airport from South Africa on November 26, did a rapid test that came out negative.

The next day he had mild symptoms. The rapid tests were repeated every day and came out negative until November 29 where the molecular test came out positive, and was suspected of the Omicron variant, which was confirmed.

Read also: “Omicron” variant – What we know and what we don’t about the new strain

He and his contacts are in quarantine, as a trace was made, as informed by the president of EODY, Theoklis Zaoutis. It was a matter of time until we identified the Omicron variant, said the president of EODY.

What we know about the Omicron variant

So far we do not know the data on how contagious the Omicron mutation is. Regarding morbidity, there are many gaps, said the president of EODY, but noted that the image from South Africa is that those who get sick, get sick slightly.

As he said the vaccine is very likely to provide some degree of immunity and thus remains a valuable tool in tackling the pandemic.

He then spoke about the need for testing. He called on all citizens to take a test during the week of December 6-11, which will be the period that will be available free of charge to all, without this measure being mandatory. He also recommended that the tests be repeated, especially in view of the Christmas holidays.

It is good as he said before we meet with relatives and friends to undergo a test, as it is a basic tool for dealing with the pandemic.