Greece Set to Impose New Measures to Contain New Covid-19 Wave

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Friday that the government will announce new measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, as the country has recorded an upward trend in infections in recent weeks.
During a teleconference with health officials, Mitsotakis said that the new measures will be announced by Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, later on Friday.
Greece on Thursday announced a total of 204 cases. Five more individuals passed away, bringing the country’s total number of fatalities to 221.
The Greek Premier appealed especially to the younger generation to respect the measures already in place.
“I want to make a special appeal to the young people,” he said. “I also have children at this age and I am aware of their insouciance. But please be careful, take care of yourself, you are not invulnerable, and especially those who are not invulnerable are your parents and grandparents”.
Mitsotakis’ appeal stems from the analysis of coronavirus cases that show a worrying trend: The average age of Covid-19 victims is constantly declining.
Health Minister Vasilis Kikilias noted earlier in the week that the average age of those who became ill in August has now dropped to 36 years. This happened because younger people think they are “invulnerable,” and are failing to adhere to the safety precautions, he noted.
Greek authorities are concerned that as the virus has spread to a number of tourist destinations, young people who return back to Athens, Thessaloniki and other major cities will transmit the virus to vulnerable groups at home.
Mitsotakis said that the authorities will issue strict recommendations.
“Anyone returning from a tourist destination should be careful for at least a week. They should wear a mask and keep away from the most vulnerable, elderly people at home.”