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First entry: Tuesday, September 22, 2020, 8:33 p.m.
The possibility of a new confinement has not been discussed in the committee of experts of the Ministry of Health, clarified today during the information session on the course of the pandemic in Greece, the assistant professor of the EKPA School of Medicine and member of the Committee of Experts from the Ministry of Health, Gikas Majorkinis. question of ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ.
He recalled that the first wave was spreading rapidly, so the shutdown was an emergency measure. Today, as he said, measures have already been implemented during the summer that were effective and “we want to see if these measures that have much less socioeconomic cost bear fruit. We hope and believe that they will bear fruit. However, we all know how effective of the blockade and, of course, it exists as a last, last measure “.
Mr. Majorkinis asked those over 65 to limit their social contacts, while their relatives are considered possible asymptomatic carriers.
Majorkinis emphasized that the number of new diagnoses in Greece with SARS-CoV-2 remains at levels above 300 people for a second week with no signs of remission, while the number of people needing mechanical support for breathing and intubation is constant. upward trends. Attica remains at the center of this epidemic outbreak with at least half and often more than half of diagnoses per day. She explained that the 7-day moving average of deaths per day has reached five and thus has approached the equivalent of the first wave. The doubling time of the moving average of deaths per day in the second wave is approximately 4 weeks so far, while in the first wave the corresponding average has doubled rapidly over a period of approximately 7 to 10 days.
“This slower spread of the epidemic is indicative of a reduction in transmissibility compared to the first wave as a result of measures already taken, but clearly shows that a significant additional effort is needed to reverse the epidemic,” he said.
Regarding the implementation of the measures related to Attica, which began last week but also yesterday, its impact is expected to be evaluated towards the end of next week, first of all based on the number of new diagnoses.
“There is the logic of avoiding any horizontal measure and the implementation of targeted interventions based on the profile of the epidemic with emphasis on local measures. The prioritization of socioeconomic activities plays an important role, at the same time that it receives its expected return in reducing the epidemic.
He referred to the American infectious disease specialist Fauci who said that areas with a high epidemic burden have the following options: close bars or close schools. There are priorities that are being taken and will continue to be taken.
The professor said that large urban centers on a global scale are the places where the epidemic was particularly intense in the first wave and returns particularly threatening in the second wave. It is indicative that a record 2 million cases were registered last week. In response to the second wave that hit many countries, restrictive measures have been announced and taken to stop the epidemic.
One point that should be paid particular attention is the polarization created by prolonged fatigue from the pandemic, Majorkinis said. “We must all arm ourselves with patience and compassion for our fellow human beings. Let us not allow our fear to lead us into confrontations of bigotry and stigma.” There are many examples that show that successfully addressing the epidemic requires a sincere respect for diversity. “
