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THE Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Announces New Measures That Will Go into Effect to Curb the Spread of Coronavirus.
At the beginning of his message, Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his sorrow for the tragic death of two children in Samos, but also for the loss of 24 citizens in Turkey due to the magnitude 6.7 earthquake.
“Today’s message was what I did not want to do from the beginning,” the prime minister said, referring to the increase in cases in Greece.
“It is time for political decisions,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, adding that we must exercise caution.
In his message, the Prime Minister stressed that our country is among the countries with the fewest cases in Europe.
“If we lose confidence in the experts, we will more easily obey the whims of the easy and simplistic slogans. And I do not mean only the few” sprinkles “. But also for those who are justifiably tired of so many months of adventure”, pointed out Mr. Mitsotakis.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s message
My fellow citizens,
I intended to contact you yesterday. However, there was an earthquake in the eastern Aegean and my interest immediately turned to Samos. The island endured. But sadly, we lost two children. I express my deepest 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 soon I’ll be there too.
Turkey also has heavy casualties and heavy losses. I have already communicated with President Erdogan. Emphasizing that, in addition to the difficulties in our relations, at this time the unity of our peoples is paramount. Because, for us, the protection of human life transcends borders and differences. I appreciate the positive response to my phone call.
At the same time, however, the great threat besetting the country and the planet remains the coronavirus. A month ago he had expressed the hope that we could live with him, with precautions that would not substantially disrupt economic and social life. Unfortunately, that was 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 harsh reality. I must put the health and safety of the Greeks before all other options. This is the debt I have and this is what I serve.
After a long period of stability, 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.
It is, therefore, the moment of political decisions. And I will tell you about them, again wanting to prevent the worst, which is already spreading across Europe. The day before yesterday, at the extraordinary European Council, we realized how difficult it is to manage the second wave of Covid-19, since everywhere the nightmare has become more severe.
As in spring we managed to repel the virus and in summer we restart the economy and tourism, controlling the difficulties, so now we have to move cautiously again. And with a dynamic plan in November to claim a more optimistic December. With a social life as fluid as possible and more movement in the Christmas and festive market.
Because, indeed, in the last quarter we only went with small discounts on our daily habits. And we did it. The data shows that even today Greece is among the countries with the fewest cases in Europe.
However, it would be a mistake to rely on this. Because when the dramatic images of crowded hospitals lead us to realize the magnitude of the problem, then it will be too late.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus knows how to pass through the cracks of the negligence of a few, undermining the efforts of many. And good weather is no longer our ally, as we will soon be spending more and more time indoors.
That is why we must act now. Now. Before the Intensive Care Units bow under the weight of lives in danger. Now. Where we have the ability to detect and track cases.
Now. We know that when we take quick and specific action, it pays off. Because there are cities that in a few days overcame the danger. While others, who had no problem and were inactive as a result, are currently under threat.
It seems that we have not been able to master the complacency of the collective success of the first phase. But the war against the coronavirus is not over. And now we are called to another battle.
My fellow citizens,
As of 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: vigilance and increased risk.
Measurements at the “green” and “yellow” level
The first includes all the prefectures that until now had relatively few cases, that is, those that until today are in “green” and “yellow”. Known measures will be applied there, some of which are being expanded. And they are:
Wear a mask everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Traffic restriction from 12:00 in the afternoon to 5:00 in the morning. 50% telework application in the public and private sectors. And complete distance training in universities. There are no meetings. And, of course, always distances and personal hygiene.
Measurements at the “red” and “orange” level
The Increased Risk zone includes areas that to this day are not only in “red”, but also in “orange”. That is, all of northern Greece but also Attica, starting next week.
Especially there in the above configuration the following is added:
All dining rooms are suspended, except home delivery and store collection. The same will apply to entertainment, culture and sports: bars, cafes, cinemas, museums and theaters, as well as indoor gyms. However, unlike in the spring, travel outside the prefecture is not prohibited.
In other words, the new rules, which will go into effect at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, focus on the two outbreaks that have been found to favor virus transmission: entertainment and mobility. Keeping industry, retail and schools running throughout the territory. And services such as hotels and hairdressers remain open. Because there the data shows that the problem is under control.
This is a necessary adjustment to our defense, as the virus attack manifests itself in waves. And we have to adapt in time. Compared to the first phase, now the traffic is free, no need to send messages. Retail stores remain open, production continues without interruption, and schools are operating normally.
“We are not talking about a total” freeze “of everyday life”
In other words, we are not talking about a total “freeze” of everyday life. Why I will repeat it: A universal shutdown is the last step, which would damage the economy and society, while the next day it is pulled out of the country in many areas.
These are measures similar to those enacted by France and Germany, but which have previously been affected by tens of thousands of cases. And here we apply them before, insisting on attacking the virus as quickly as possible so that we always have the initiative of the movements.
Our complete plan for November will be presented in detail by the relevant Ministers. And with it, an emergency support program for employees and companies, which will be tested by the new restrictions.
I remind you that to this day the state is making up for the losses lost due to the pandemic. It continues to cover the insurance contributions of those who had to work part-time. 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 been concerned with maintaining reserves, since this crisis manifests itself on many fronts. And it will support those facing problems now. With compensations, loans, exemptions and facilities that will approach 1,500 million.
Because if life remains a priority, the economy is still the one that must be kept alive to serve it.
I know that these measures are difficult especially for those who work in the restaurant, entertainment and culture. I want you to know that, just like last spring, we will be with you. Nobody, nobody will be left unprotected.
And, if the measures work, we will be able, at the beginning of December, to live in a calmer environment. Even more mature and aware.
“Let the scientists get out of all controversy”
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 suitability or worse yet start accusing them of playing political games, then we are sawing the branch we are all sitting on.
If we lose confidence in the experts, we will more easily obey the vagaries of easy and simplistic slogans. And I don’t mean just the few “sprinkles”. But also for those who are justifiably tired of so many months of adventure.
So let legitimate political criticism be limited to politicians. Further, I am the first to take responsibility for my decisions. I did not hide in difficulties, I will not do it now. Now is the time for each and every individual to act.
The State today presents its plan with the objective of staying healthy, until the vaccine marks the dawn of a new and brilliant reality. That moment should find us standing and united. Ready to pass this national test, as only Greeks know. We can and we will.
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