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At your tv message the Kyriakos Mitsotakis Announced increased measures in Attica from Thursday to February 28 and referred to the measures that will be applied to address it pandemic. He stressed that “in the next two months the range of restrictions will possibly open and close depending on the alarm levels. It is up to us what will happen each time. But it is also the last mile to freedom. “
Specifically the your message says: “My fellow citizens,
Some time ago I was informed about the suggestion of our expert committee. I personally wanted to announce the decision on the new measures and explain the reasons that led us to them.
Almost a year has passed since the outbreak of the pandemic. Greece, along with a handful of northern European countries, has so far effectively weathered the third wave of the Koronovirus. This is confirmed by the official European data that places the country in 23rd place in losses out of 27. But it is also confirmed by the complex indicators monitored by our Scientific Committee.
However, we know that coronavirus attacks can occur suddenly and exponentially. Like fire that spreads rapidly and destructively. See what happened in Portugal. Therefore, in the face of a potential phenomenon, we opted for a periodic review and flexible adjustment of the measures, depending on the real situation.
Choice of specific measures with quick reflexes. However, taking into account the pressure accumulated by limitations and the need that we all have to find our normal rhythms again. Because in the end it was a great encouragement for the market and society to be open for 2 weeks and closed for 2 weeks without being excluded for 4 weeks.
The goal is to always be one step ahead of the virus. And this tactic took effect in the last “ban” in January.
Today, however, the danger is reappearing. Not in the form of thousands of sick people and deaths, as in other European countries. But with two facts that concern us a lot. On the one hand, the increase in hospitalizations in Attica, where health structures are gradually filling up. And, on the other hand, the mutations of the virus that seem to accelerate its transmissibility. We could wait a few more days, but the bell rings and we have learned to work to prevent and not follow the problem, to save lives. Because the precondition for the progress of Greece is healthy Greeks. All of us who must, now, defend ourselves from the last attack of the virus before the final victory of vaccination. Because it is true that tomorrow we will gain the lost ground if today we overcome the last obstacles without losses. We know that from April we will be much better. But now we must prevent the danger!
Therefore, on the basis of the new data, I take responsibility for the additional measures for the protection of public health.
Thus, since the day after Thursday and until February 28 There will be more restrictive measures in Attica. This means that it closes all forms of retail, and from now on all educational levels will work remotely. In addition to the special treatment that will continue with physical presence. The new measures will be specified tomorrow by those responsible.
My fellow citizens,
The experience of the first wave of the pandemic, as well as the closure after the Christmas holidays, shows that the faster the restrictions are applied, the faster they are lifted. And the more active they are, the greater their effect. This is the reason for my current choices: to attack the COVID-19 outbreak before it spreads, reducing overall mobility. And spend time with the Health System, as vaccines proceed quickly.
I know what all this means for the economy. For the merchant who keeps his store closed and the professional who leaves his job. For the employee, but also for the unemployed. However, I will say again that there is no economy without health. Not even good customers without healthy citizens. After all, a two-week effort now could bring full market opening sooner. And while the crisis lasts, the State will continue to support households and businesses. As it is already starting up with the zeroing of the rent of companies that will remain closed in March as well as the extension of the reduced VAT on certain goods. With the 6th and 7th refundable advance and the suspension of financed work. But also with the extension of unemployment benefits and the suspension of debts with the State and Funds.
I am aware, however, of the agony of society. I feel tired for many months. Irritability Especially our students who are alienated from their natural environment, the school. I also have a son at school and I know it. I fully understand the reaction of citizens: “Will you close us again?” They ask me, from time to time. “There are not many who” close “us, but only one,” I reply. And this is the Coronavirus, which we must defeat. Draw strength from what we have achieved and faith in what we can achieve. Because whatever sacrifices we are called to make now, it is up to us to be the last.
In the joint effort there are mistakes, confusion and negligence. But we must not lose sight of the big picture. Today I am more convinced than ever that the epilogue of this unprecedented adventure has begun.
My fellow citizens,
I ask you again to stick together and respond with maturity to what life itself asks of us: to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Much more, that the sun of the vaccine illuminates, now, the next day. In a short time, vaccines in the country will reach 500,000. We are one of the first in Europe in rhythms. While the second installment extends to the elderly and healthcare professionals, the other categories of citizens will also start soon. Vaccine deliveries will also increase rapidly in the near future.
I will not hide: In the next two months, the restriction fan may open and close depending on the alarm levels. It is up to us what will happen each time. But it is also the last mile to freedom. The state has a plan so that, at the end of spring, the most vulnerable Greeks are protected. The goal is to meet that strong and prosperous moment. And a great step on this path of hope is to achieve the measures that will be applied from the day after tomorrow. We will keep them and win! “
The extraordinary meeting had preceded under the mandate of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for the evaluation of epidemiological data was carried out in the Palace of the Maxims, with the participation of the Minister of Health Vassilis Kikilias, the Deputy Minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias, the Deputy Minister from the Deputy Prime Minister The Prime Minister in charge of the Coordination of the Government Project Akis Skertsos, the Deputy Minister in charge of the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson Christos Tarantilis, Professor Sotiris Tsiodras and the President of EODY, Panagiotis Arkoumaneas lasted about an hour.
After the meeting or Minister of Health, Vassilis Kikilias, made the following statement:
“An extraordinary meeting was held, under the command of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to assess the epidemiological data and the situation. The data were cited, the Prime Minister requested the extraordinary convocation of the Committee of Scientists in order to consider the measures taken to Attica. The Commission will meet, make its suggestions and then the measures will be announced. “
