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We are ready to move to the second phase of the measures, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in his message.
The message to citizens about the plan to gradually lift the restrictive measures is as follows:
My fellow citizens,
For months, our homeland, but also the entire world, has been fighting against an invisible and insidious enemy. We take unprecedented steps to limit its spread. We, as a society, have accepted the need to paralyze economic activity to save human lives. We stayed away from the people we love to protect them. We did not go to our churches. And we stayed at home, following the advice of experts. We have demonstrated, you have demonstrated, unprecedented responsibility and solidarity. Thus, the individual attitude became a collective success. And the ties between the State and citizens were framed in reforms that previously seemed distant or even impossible: the Digital Public Administration that serves quickly, simply and easily. Work and distance education. A better national health system. And a Civil Protection that has shown that it can be by our side in every need. All this was not a product of luck, but of hard work. The great successes are due to the many little heroes who answer the call of responsibility. And these heroes are each and every one of you. Thank you for setting an example for our country around the world.
Today, we can safely say that the measures we have taken have been worthwhile. The data cannot be disputed: for days, new cases have been kept to a minimum. Most important, however, is the steady decline in coronary heart disease patients in hospitals. In addition to the decrease in the number of our fellow citizens who are intubated in the Intensive Care Units.
I want to express my support for the families who lost their loved ones. Their pain is not alleviated by the fact that in Greece we had far fewer victims than in almost all European countries. Since we have limited the first wave of the virus, we are now ready to move on to the second phase of our plan: the gradual reduction of measures, as we are now more prepared than we were three months ago. We can do a lot more testing, so we can quickly identify possible new virus outbreaks. Civil Protection is further strengthened so that you can trace contacts quickly and efficiently. And our hospitals have more medical and nursing staff. More and better equipment. Greater experience AND better organization. However, we have two more allies: good weather, which will allow us to spend more time outdoors. And, most importantly, sensitized and informed citizens who now know what to do and what not to do: we meticulously follow individual hygiene measures. We don’t shake hands. We keep our distance. We take special care of our vulnerable citizens. And we stay inside if we have a cough or fever, informing our doctor. We listen to the expert advice on the protective mask. Using it may cover some of our functions. However, it will point to the serious face of our responsibility. All of this must become second nature to us, because there is no return to “pre-coronary reality.” We already live differently.
We are preparing for the second stage of our plan. But be careful: this is not an epilogue to adventure, but a sequel. I will say it again: the exit of the quarantine will be done step by step. No one can rule out a possible resurgence of the threat. Our goal will be to locate it quickly, so that any new restrictions are local and do not affect the entire territory. Our plan for the next two months is extremely detailed and elaborate. But that is what the word means: Plan. Therefore, it will be subject to revisions, depending on the developments and the instructions of the experts. And only the discipline of each citizen will be the judge of their success.
Some authorities, however, remain non-negotiable. My priority was and continues to be the life and health of the Greeks. My choice is that each decision has the stamp of scientific knowledge. And by informing the citizen that there must be absolute transparency, honesty and responsibility. I trusted you and you trusted not only me, but also the Greek state. Which is, after all, nothing less than our collective existence. And as we progress through the second phase, these bonds of trust must remain intact. May is not March. Back then, we had to defend our health and save lives by staying home. While we are now called to gradually, methodically return to some of our family activities. Our new slogan, then, is “We stay safe.” We leave the house, but we are always responsible.
My dear fellow citizens,
Following the suggestions of the Scientific Committee, today I can announce the axes of a “security bridge” for the new daily life: starting next Monday, May 4, the restrictions on the movement of citizens will be lifted. In other words, written permissions and related SMS are removed. However, traffic restrictions outside of our county will continue for at least two weeks. Individual sports outdoors and at sea will be allowed. But organized beaches will remain closed. Some types of stores and services will be open the same day. As an indication, I mention: Bookstores, electronic articles, KTEO and sporting goods stores. As hairdressers, but always by appointment. The rest of the retail sale will resume on Monday, May 11, except for shopping malls. These will open on June 1. In all stores, of course, terms will apply that will limit visitor density. Strict measures will be taken to protect workers.
Allow me, here, a reference to the Church: I thank the Archbishop and the clergy for our understanding and cooperation. This year’s Easter experience was not easy for any of us. However, it turned out that it was necessary for everyone. Starting May 4, churches will be open for individual worship. And starting on Sunday, May 17, the faithful will be able to participate in the Divine Liturgy and in other services. But always with strict rules to be agreed with the Holy Synod and the scientific community.
In Education, the lessons of the 3rd Lyceum will start again on May 11. A week later, the other classes at the Lyceum and High School will follow. However, schools will operate with other rules that will limit coordination as much as possible. Distance education will continue to support children who, for special reasons, do not have to come to class. Primary and kindergartens remain closed. They can, I repeat, open on June 1, and only if we are absolutely sure that the course of the epidemic is going downhill. Tomorrow, the Minister of Education will do a more detailed briefing. It is in constant consultation with the Committee of Scientists for the best possible implementation of protection measures for our children and teachers.
On June 1 the activity in the field of restoration begins, always with conditions, which will have been agreed by then. On the same day, the 12-month hotels will open. And then the second wave of Justice work will be activated. In June, finally, and depending on developments, the rest of the economic activity will gradually be released. However, large gatherings, such as festivals, concerts, or sporting events with spectators, are unlikely to be allowed during the summer. As is clear, the program for the next phase is fully studied. It will be scaled per week, but it will be evaluated every 24 hours by a mixed Observatory of government, health and civil protection.
My fellow citizens,
Detailed details of the transition plan will be announced shortly thereafter. In addition, each ministry has developed individual business plans, because there will be adjustments throughout the State. For example, online homework and service should be expanded. Hospitals must return to normal so that all current incidents can be covered more effectively. As well as the arrival times of employees to change to avoid overcrowding in workplaces but also in means of transportation. And the last, in turn, to swell the routes at rush hour to move with fewer passengers.
However, the key to success will again be our individual discipline. Responsibility Confidence in the instructions of the experts. The result we have achieved so far is excellent. But it is still fragile. Going back to our lives and jobs is more difficult than staying home. That is why the more restrictions are eased, the more the role of personal responsibility will increase. The slogan “Stay Home” continues. We did not go out without reason. We keep ourselves safe. Because return should not lead to recurrence. But in return, reasoned and calculated. Until now, an effective state has risen up against the pandemic, protecting the Greeks and earning their trust. And they, in turn, showed the best: they followed the instructions. They were disciplined on the measures. And they protected their health and the health of their neighbors. These deposits are a guarantee for tomorrow. Because they not only mobilized valuable characteristics of our people, who remained inactive for years, but also because they offered a new quality to our democracy, which was harmed by populism. Think about it, in the realm of politics, reservations and old suspicions have softened. Now, Greek women and men are listening to the representatives of the State, knowing that they too will listen. In social life, the law was observed consciously, without fear of punishment. And the protagonists became silent people. However, with their actions, they became resounding examples for everyone. While everyone personally reconsidered, I think, their overall role. We were limited but not separate. I would say that we meet again and we mobilize. The coroner also taught us that friendship is not limited to a handshake. I don’t even care about a hug. And that everything, in the end, can be expressed in new ways in an unprecedented state. Because, in fact, on May 4, we will all know a new daily life. And if we handle it with maturity, then gradually we will improve it to make it better and better.
Until science finds the right vaccine and effective treatment, the virus will live among us. Some people can only get sick. It is up to us to make them as small as possible and provide them with the care they need. So whoever closes the door of the house behind him will open the door of responsibility at the same time. By patience, it will pass to perseverance. And from resistance, to attention. Because only then will the risk be reduced.
My fellow citizens,
Of course, in the coming times, difficulties are lurking, in Health but also in Economy, whose prolonged “freezing” has a social sign. Because at the same time it “freezes” injustices, mainly affecting the weakest. The gradual restart, therefore, is the duty of every responsible government. Nobody denies that, after the coronation, the crisis will be deep and global. And as the pandemic strikes everyone, everyone will have to bear the brunt of its consequences. But justly and with allies, truth and realism. However, I will speak in detail about all this in Parliament soon. Meanwhile, the state and citizens must continue the war with the invisible enemy, who will wait to attack with the slightest complacency. That is why those responsible will not interrupt daily information. And the State will be on permanent alert. A new optimism was born in the last test. A renewed national confidence. I am sure that our society will respond responsibly and seriously to the new challenge ahead: a smooth, safe and gradual return to a more familiar rhythm of daily life. As we said: we return, but we are careful. Above all, we stay safe.
It is up to us to do it.
News today:
The secrets of the mask: the 5 rules for its correct use (and mandatory)
Tsiodras – Kerameos presents the plan for schools – How corridors will be opened
Why do some people become seriously ill and have mild coronary heart disease? – The role of genetic factors.
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