The Health Minister, Mr. Thanos Plevris, announced to the state broadcaster, ERT, that the authorities are waiting for more than 15,000 Covid cases, today, according to the Executive Agency for the Public Health Programme (PHEA).
In particular, Mr. Plevris stressed that, since Tuesday morning, 550,000 tests have already been performed, in which 15,000 cases were identified, with this number expected to increase as the hours go by.
He also announced that the Committee of Experts will convene again tomorrow to consider whether the measures will take effect before January 3rd.
Too many young people are sick
“A lot of young people are getting sick right now. And the number will increase in the coming days. So, if teenagers think that they are exposed to Covid-19, then they should not come in contact with their parents and grandparents as they are more vulnerable to Omicron variant,” declared the Health Minister.
Increase up to 300% in Attica
He pointed out that in Attica there is a 200-300% increase in Omicron variant cases.
“It is clear that Omicron variant is the dominant one” stressed Mr. Thanos Plevris, noting that, within the next 10 days, the Omicron variant will be the only variant that “will concern us”.
However, he clarified that the Greek National Health System, at the moment, is under great pressure, due to the prevalence of the Omicron variant in Greece.
It is noted that the Omicron variant already reaches 70% of daily cases in recent days, in Attica. 9,284 cases were recorded on Monday.
Will the booster shot be compulsory?
Regarding the compulsory vaccination, the Greek Health Minister stressed that the extension of the indirectly mandatory vaccination with a booster shot is being considered, while he did not exclude the first dose being indirectly mandatory for younger ages.
50% of cases are under the age of 39, while only 6% are over the age of 60.
The Health Minister pointed out that 30% of the cases of the last days have been identified from the self tests, calling on those who have been exposed to other Covid-19 cases or feel some discomfort to use them.
Latest News
FT: Greece’s Economic Rebound a Balance of Growth and Poverty
Eurostat data revealed a significant 10.8% drop in Greek public debt relative to GDP in 2023, alongside a 2% economic expansion, outpacing Germany's performance.
Lavrio Port Authority Next Up for Privatization
A deadline for the submission of expressions of interest is May 14, 2024
Eurostat: Greece Records Largest Drop in Natural Gas Prices in 2nd Half of 2023
The price of electricity and natural gas in Europe was down following a substantial surge that began before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and peaked in 2022
GEK TERNA Still Considers Leveraging Concessions Portfolio as Financial Tool
President and CEO of Gek Terna George Peristeris explained the company's plans on Tuesday on the sidelines of the inauguration of sections of Greece's E65 highway
NielsenIQ: 3% Supermarket Revenue Increase in Q1
Private label products are gaining traction, comprising 25.4% of shopping basket shares, up from 24.7%
Store Hours Change Today in Observation of Orthodox Easter
The President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce hopes the Easter period will provide a much-needed boost to retail traffic in the capital
Athens-area Mass Transit Systems Set to Finally Install Contact-less Fare Payment
Paying fares via bank cards, smartphones and smartwatches in all mass transit systems in the Greek capital, namely, buses, trolleys, the metro and tram lines, is scheduled by the end of the year
Council of State Rejects Motion Against Thessaloniki Motorway Project
The motion was filed earlier this month by three local citizens’ and environmental groups and generated a high court decision for a temporary stay in construction
Greek 30Y Bond Issue Oversubscribed by 11 Times
Very high demand pushed down the coupon's interest rate to 4.125%
Athens Int’l Airport Wins Top Prize at Routes Europe Awards
The Routes business is focused entirely on aviation route development and the company's portfolio includes events, media and online businesses