COVID-19 EPIDEMIC GREECE

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over. The virus is still here and the currently prevalent variant has been described as the most transmissible to date, with a surge of infections.

The head of the WHO warned that the global massive increase in the number of recorded infections – which we have witnessed in Greece - could be just the tip of the iceberg.

This year we know much more about the virus and how to protect ourselves. We also know that hopes for a regular Easter will be dashed once again.

Because Greek Easter is around the corner, the government must swiftly devise a tight, well-organised plan to protect public health with personal and collective responsibility.

The government must announce its intention as soon as possible so that the average family can make its own plans and accept the government’s decision.

The spate of coronaparties did not come out of the blue. Over the three-day holiday last weekend, around 30 protests were conducted in an organised fashion.

Those of us who are on the same side agree that the paramount goal is to end the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic even if we have different views on the requisite strategy, on the prioritisation of objectives, or on how to rebuild the country the day after.

In an exclusive interview with in.gr, tanea.gr, and tovima.gr, Professor Gkikas Magiorkinis details the major obstacles that arise in the effort to inform an often distrustful public about COVID-19.

The opposition’s comparing the government with a junta, because it banned a commemorative march, especially when it is following the recommendations of the National Committee on Public Health is entirely unjustified.

Those who seek to circumvent the rules are not many but this juncture is particularly critical for everyone.

Now Donald Trump can offer a valuable service - he can through his illness persuade people about the importance of wearing masks and abiding by social distancing guidelines.