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“Our path may seem slower, but it will be safer and safer. And above all, it must be a smooth path.” This phrase by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, yesterday in the cabinet, reveals two things in view of the continuation: First, that on December 7, even for a partial lifting of restrictions, it is now significantly removed.
Since we are already at the beginning of the month, it is considered increasingly difficult to see the first measurement survey on 12/7, since, despite the fact that the cases are decreasing, the intubations are many and consequently the pressure on the system sanitary continues to be great. Therefore, the first lifting of the restrictions is postponed for at least one week, on December 14, with the predominant scenario being the gradual opening of retail. On the contrary, schools are seriously conditional if they open, as they will only be open for 9 days.
The second element that Mitsotakis’ phrase reveals is that the government’s goal is now clear: to avoid a third shutdown at all costs. For this to happen, it is a fact that the opening of the economy must be done in a very conservative manner, which means that now the possibility of not opening the focus for the holidays is getting closer and closer.
To this contributes, after all, the treatment by the catering entrepreneurs themselves, who in recent days have been increasingly declaring that opening only a few days and then a possible new closure is not economically profitable and many of them, even if the restaurant opened, would choose not to run their business.
“The prime minister is collecting data from scientists and is expected to make a statement by the end of the week on what will happen after December 7.” Then it will be clearer to everyone which sectors of economic and social activity can be opened from safe way, when and according to what rules, “said government spokesman Stelios Petsas. He commented that” we are in the middle of the river and we have to cross the torrent of the waters of the pandemic “, explaining at the same time that” cases are falling , the transmission rate is falling throughout Greece, but at a slower rate than, what one would expect. And it is that there is a fatigue of the population, after 10 months of fighting with the invisible enemy, the coronavirus, which leads to a slower decline in cases “.
According to Kathimerini, several experts, who are always referred to by the government, are calling for the measures to be extended even after December 21. All of the above is summarized in the Prime Minister’s phrase that “we should not speak with dates, but with data” and come to a conclusion: The government has no intention of taking risks by sending a message of relaxation and will open the country to the idle, trying to operate steadily. economy to the minimum and not to the maximum until the first vaccines begin. In this way, Maximou considers that he achieves the delicate balance: the economy will move to a minimum and a third blockade will be avoided, which will undoubtedly be catastrophic.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis pointed out at yesterday’s cabinet meeting the improvement in the situation, but recommended patience and composure. “The situation is improving. Now we have, in addition to the reduction in cases, the first indications that the pressure on the National Health System in northern Greece is gradually beginning to diminish.” But we have no doubt that we still have some tough days ahead, “he said.
Rt reduction
Another issue that the experts focused on yesterday is compliance with the measures. The phenomena with abnormal traffic on the roads in a period of blockage has been a problem and it is no coincidence that yesterday several people reported that there are people who do not follow the measures.
The Professor of Pediatrics-Infectious Diseases Vana Papaevangelou, speaking yesterday in the information of the Ministry of Health, said that epidemiological data shows a decrease in Rt below 1, but at the same time there are obvious signs that measures were not observed for reduce the pandemic in the country. of all.
“We don’t need software, we see it from the traffic on the streets. “Let us all understand that congruence and rallies are a lack of respect for public health and the self-sacrifice of NSS staff and fellow citizens who respect the measures,” he said, noting that “the inactive reduction of cases prolongs the pandemic, affects the economy and causes fatigue. ” to all. Respect those disappeared by the coronavirus ”.
The 18 areas with a high epidemiological burden
According to the epidemiological burden of the last 14 days, 18 areas are affected. These areas are Pella, Drama, Grevena, Thessaloniki, Pieria, Florina, Imathia, Larissa, Kilkis, Xanthi, Halkidiki, Magnesia, Karditsa, Kavala, Trikala, the Evros, Serres, and Rodopi. The Pieria area is particularly problematic since the epidemiological burden instead of being constant or decreasing, as in other areas, increases in the last 24 hours.
