On Tuesday, Greece recorded a spike in daily coronavirus cases, rising to 1,797 in the past 24 hours, prompting a government reaction and an emergency statement from the Ministry of Citizens’ Protection.
The number of Covid-related deaths in the last 24 hours was 8, with 168 intubated patients in intensive care units.
“The 4th wave of the pandemic is approaching,” state broadcaster ERT announced shortly after a daily report from health authorities and warned that “protections will be overhauled over the next hour.”
Citing data from the University of Thessaloniki, the ERT reported that the number of infections has increased by 442% over the past two weeks.
The head of civil protection Nikos Hardalias held an extraordinary press conference. He announced that from July 8 (Thursday), all bars, clubs and other entertainment venues will only be allowed to serve seated guests. He then argued for higher fines to be levied on owners who fail to adhere to security protocols. According to him, if violations are found in nightclubs, the institutions will be fined 500 euros and closed for 7 days, a repeated violation will lead to higher fines (15,000 euros), and the third – to the closure of the institution.
Hardalias said that the cause of the new wave was the Delta strain, which is especially actively spreading among young people, and this happens in bars and clubs:
“The delta mutation began to prevail, and the unvaccinated were in danger. Since last Monday, we have recorded a spike in new cases, which have nearly tripled. They have been found mainly in young people and mainly in recreational activities in clubs and bars, which contributes to the transmission of infection. “
It is reported that an extraordinary meeting of the committee of epidemiologists is now being held. Earlier, the head of the National Health Organization EODY said that 50% of recent infections are related to entertainment among young people.
Government spokeswoman Aristotelia Peloni said on Tuesday that “herd immunity of 75% should be achieved by early fall,” however some health experts have said 80-85% is needed due to the Delta option.
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