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The new measures will be specified tomorrow by those responsible, said the prime minister.
The whole message of the prime minister
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. And Greece, along with some northern European countries, is so far effectively resisting the third wave of the coronavirus. 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 at an exponential rate. 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 reappears. 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 gradually fill up. And, on the other hand, the virus mutations that seem to accelerate their 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. So, From the day after Thursday until February 28, the restrictive measures in Attica will be increased. This means that it closes all retail modalities and from now on all educational levels will operate 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 of 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 you already throw with him zero commercial rent which will be closed in March as well as reduced VAT extension on specific goods. With the 6th and 7th refundable deposit Y funded work suspension. But also with extension of unemployment benefits and 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 call on you once again to remain united and to respond with maturity to what life itself asks of us: to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Much more than the sun of the vaccine shines, 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 ventilator 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. 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!
