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The gradual opening of the economy since Monday has triggered scenarios for the gradual lifting of the blockade, but at a time when experts consider this discussion premature, while the government maintains an attitude of waiting.
In recent days, there has been a clear reduction in the number of daily cases, but the number of deaths and intubations remains alarmingly high. In fact, as Demosthenes Sarigiannis predicted, the UCI is expected to “breathe” after December 20.
Under these conditions, the government is preparing for a gradual opening of the market in the run-up to Christmas, starting first with seasonal stores. The government spokesman, Stelios Petsas, stressed that government efforts are being made gradually and carefully, while preparing to announce the full government plan early next week, so that the public knows what will happen after December 14. .
Regarding the gradual lifting of the closure by region, Mr. Petsas affirmed that at the moment there are no such suggestions from the experts, emphasizing that the data at the moment show that the spread of the virus has left the urban centers. and it has been transferred to towns and cities, with the result that due to the feeling of security and intimacy, the number of cases does not decrease.
Every three days the market opens
Speaking to SKAI, Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis said the plan is to open the market in stages every 3-4 days.
The first step will take place next Monday, December 7, with the opening of a total of 110 seasonal stores. They will give a festive tone to the neighborhoods but will operate under strict measures.
Citizens can visit them by sending an SMS to 13033 with code 2, or with a handwritten travel permit. The seasonal tents will be open from 07:00 to 20:30, while indoors they must wear a mask and four people are allowed in 100 square meters.
The government’s plan immediately afterwards foresees the opening:
Friday December 11
- Barber Shop
- Beauty salons
Monday December 14
- Toy stores
- Bookstores
- Florists
“So if everything goes well and we work with them open for 3-4 days and we see that things are under control and mainly the measures are observed, we will go to the rest of the retail trade,” stressed Adonis Georgiadis.
“Block” in travel, catering, school opening
Due to the viral load remaining at high levels, the government spokesman who spoke to Mega at the weekend ruled out any possibility of Christmas getaways.
On whether to move from house to house on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Petsas pointed out that “the general direction is to try to get families to celebrate at home, possibly with another family.” .
The spotlight opening scene also seems to be getting further and further away. Government and infectious disease specialists are concerned about overcrowding in bars and restaurants.
Finally, with the new year, it looks like a return to schools will take place, as infectious disease specialists seem reluctant to open in December, even just for primary education.
Sarigianni Forecasts for the Course of Cases – “Premature Market Opening”
Most experts, however, oppose the early opening of the market and any discussion to remove the blockage.
Demosthenes Sarigiannis, professor of Environmental Engineering at AUTh, said that based on mathematical models the cases on December 22 will have dropped to 900, but pointed out that the former is slow and that it is premature to open the market with this data.
According to Mr. Sarigiannis’s calculations, on December 8 the cases will have reached 1,475 cases per day, on December 15 the cases will be 1,100, on December 22 they will have decreased to about 900 and at the end of the year to 770 cases.
“The cases are not in line with the goal set by the Minister of Health, Vassilis Kikilias, which was 500 cases to open the market. Our simulations show that if stores open and measurements are not observed, 15-20 days later we will see a resurgence. Therefore, any opening will be premature, ”stressed Mr Sarigiannis, speaking to SKAI.
Gogos: We shouldn’t be talking about lifting the blockade right now.
There is a very long delay to unload the epidemiological burden, especially in northern Greece, said Professor of Infectious Diseases Charalambos Gogos, speaking with Mega. When asked if the small reduction observed is sufficient to discuss a phasing out of the measures, he said no.
“I don’t think we should talk about lifting the measures at the moment. We have to think about it, organize the lifting of measures so that we have time to be sure.” But we have to see an improvement in the data, especially in hospitals, to begin with. to think about lifting the measures, “Gogos said.
Regarding the opening of schools, he pointed out that the possibility will be discussed for December 14, since the epidemiological data are better, while emphasizing that there have been many surprises in this matter. He expressed the opinion that instead of opening schools on 12/14 and closing them after a week for holidays, it is better that the opening be done safely in the new year.
Regarding retail, he pointed out: “We will see if there will be a reduction in the period from December 7 to 14, which will allow the opening of retail. But right now our minds and eyes are on the stressed health system, you cannot imagine what it’s happening in hospitals. That’s what we’re trying to solve. “
Vatopoulos: Don’t open anything before Christmas
Finally, the professor of Microbiology Alkiviadis Vatopoulos expressed the opinion that it is better not to open anything before Christmas.
“Things are very difficult. We have many cases throughout Greece,” he said at Open, adding that the issue of opening up retail has not yet been discussed in the committee.
“I would say do not open anything before Christmas, but you probably have a more public health vision.” From a more general point of view, the government must weigh these and decide, “said the professor.
Mr Vatopoulos stressed that the mobility factor must be weighed, which will be higher if stores open. At the same time, he stressed that not only the number of cases is important for lifting the confinement, but mainly the pressure on the health system.
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