New CoVid Precautions Announced for Greece

Announcement by  Prime Minister K. Mitsoutakis, today Sat 31 October 2020

"My fellow citizens,

I intended to contact you yesterday. However, the earthquake occurred in the Eastern Aegean and my interest immediately turned to Samos. The island endured. But, unfortunately, we lost two children. I express my condolences to their families and a speedy recovery to the injured. My thought, like all of us, is with them, there. The care of the state is there. And in a little while I will be there too.

Turkey also has many casualties and huge losses. I have already contacted President Erdogan. Emphasizing that, in addition to the difficulties in our relations, in these moments the unity of our peoples is paramount. Because, for us, the protection of human life transcends borders and differences. I thank him for the positive response to my phone call.

At the same time, however, the great threat that besieges the country and the planet remains the coronavirus. A month ago, I expressed the hope that we would be able to coexist with him, with precautions that would not substantially disrupt economic and social life. Unfortunately, this is not how things turned out.

My message today is what I wanted from the beginning not to have to do. But I am not allowed to close my eyes to the harsh reality. I must put the health and safety of the Greeks above all other options. This is the debt I owe and this is what I serve.

After a long period of stability, the cases are increasing exponentially in our country as well. And scientists warn that, soon, the new pandemic will shake the resilience of the National Health System. Testing not only patients but also our doctors and nurses.

So it is time for political decisions. And I will talk to you about them, wanting again to prevent the worst, which is already spreading across Europe. Just the day before yesterday, at the extraordinary European Council, we realized how difficult it is to manage the second wave of Covid-19, as everywhere the nightmare has returned more severe.

Just as in the spring we managed to repel the virus and in the summer we restarted the economy and tourism, controlling the difficulties, so now we have to move again proactively. And with a dynamic plan in November to claim a more optimistic December. With as smooth a social life as possible and more movement in the Christmas and holiday market.

Because, indeed, in the last quarter we went with only small discounts on our daily habits. And we did it. The data show that, even today, Greece is among the countries with the fewest cases in Europe.

It would be wrong, however, to rest on this. Because when the dramatic images of full hospitals lead us to realize the magnitude of the problem, then it will be too late.

Unfortunately, the coronavirus knows how to go through the cracks of the negligence of a few, which undermines the effort of many. And good weather ceases to be our ally, as we will soon spend more and more time indoors.

That is why we must act now. Now. Before the Intensive Care Units bend under the weight of endangered lives. Now. Where we have the ability to detect and track cases.

Now. We know that when we take quick and targeted action they pay off. Because there are cities that within a few days overcame the danger. While others, who had no problem and were inactive, as a result, are currently threatened.

It seems that we have not been able to tame the complacency from the collective success of the first phase. But the war on the coronavirus is not over. And so now we are called to another battle.

My fellow citizens,

From Tuesday morning and for a month, a program comes into force, according to which the territory is now divided into two zones instead of four: Surveillance and Increased Risk.

The first includes all the prefectures that until now presented relatively few cases, ie those that until today are in the "green" and the "yellow". The known measures will apply there, some of which are being expanded. And they are:

Use a mask everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Restriction of traffic from 12:00 in the evening until 5:00 in the morning. 50% tele-work application in public and private sector. And complete distance learning in universities. No gatherings. And, of course, always distances and personal hygiene.

The Increased Risk zone includes the areas that until today are not only in the "red", but also in the "orange". That is, all of Northern Greece but also Attica, from next week.

Especially there, in the previous settings the following are added:

The operation of all dining areas is suspended, except for the home delivery of food and the receipt from the store. The same will apply to the entertainment, culture and sports venues: Bars, cafes, cinemas, museums and theaters, as well as indoor gyms. Unlike in the spring, however, travel outside the prefecture is not prohibited.

In other words, the new rules, which will take effect at 6:00 on Tuesday morning, focus on the two outbreaks that have been found to favor the spread of the virus: entertainment and mobility. While maintaining the operation of industry, retail and schools throughout the territory. And services such as hotels and hairdressers remain open. Because there the data show that the problem is under control.

This is a necessary adjustment of our defense, as the attack of the virus manifests in waves. And we have to adapt in time. Compared to the first phase, now the traffic is free, without the need to send messages. Retail stores remain open, production continues uninterrupted and schools operate normally.

To put it another way, we are not talking about a total "freezing" of everyday life. Why I will repeat it: A universal lockdown is the last step, which would hurt the economy and society, while mining the next day of the country in many areas.   

These are measures similar to those enacted by France and Germany, but which have previously been hit by tens of thousands of cases. And here we apply them earlier, insisting on tackling the virus as quickly as we can so that we always have the initiative of the movements.

Our complete plan for November will be presented in detail by the competent Ministers. And with it, an emergency program to support employees and companies, which will be tested by the new restrictions.

I remind you that to date the state is making up for the lost losses due to the pandemic. It continues to cover the insurance contributions of those who had to work part-time. He suspended almost all debts. And it strengthened the productive fabric of the country with many financial tools.

We will do the same now. The State has taken care to maintain reserves, as this crisis manifests itself on many fronts. And he will stand by those who face problems now. With compensations, loans, exemptions and facilities that will approach 1.5 billion.

Because if life remains a priority, the economy does not cease to be the one that must be kept alive to serve it.

I know that these measures are difficult especially for those who work in catering, entertainment and culture. I want you to know that, just like last spring, we will be with you. No one, no one will be left unprotected.

And, if the measures work, we will be able, in early December, to live in a smoother environment. Even more mature and aware.

My fellow citizens,

I close as I started. From the first moment I wanted to avoid this message. But the conditions demand it. The words end. And with them I hope the questioning of the real data ends.

So please leave the scientists out of any controversy. Because if we question their adequacy or, even worse, start accusing them of playing political games, then we are sawing the branch on which we are all sitting.

If we lose confidence in the experts, we will more easily obey the whims of easy and simplistic slogans. And I'm not just talking about the few "sprayed". But also to those who are justifiably tired of this many months of adventure.

Let legitimate political criticism, then, be limited to politicians. After all, I am the first to take responsibility for my decisions. I did not hide in the difficulties, I will not do it now. Now is the time for action by everyone and by each individual.

The State today presents its plan with the aim of staying healthy, until the vaccine marks the dawn of a new, bright reality. That moment must find us standing and united. Ready to overcome this national test, as only we Greeks know. We can and we will do it." Source newsit.gr.