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Update – 17/09/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities on Tuesday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 14,041. 3 new deaths were reported raising the total number to 316. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 67. 312 new cases where announced yesterday in Greece, raising the daily number of cases above 300 for the second consequent day. 174 of the new cases were found in the Attica region.

Greek health experts are calling on strict adherence to hygiene and mask-wearing measures, warning that if Covid-19  cases in the Attica Region are not reigned in, Greece could face a further spike in incidents. The Greek Civil Protection ministry announced yesterday, additional restrictions for the greater Athens area after the latest epidemiological data revealed that Attica accounted for over half of all coronavirus cases in Greece. The new measures will run for a period of 14 days, between September 16-30 and include the following:

1. Concerts in open spaces must be held with a 50 percent capacity limit, while all people must be seated. The wearing of masks is mandatory and alcohol and smoking are prohibited.

2. The operation of venues with live music, nightclubs and indoor concert halls will be suspended for 14 days.

3. Open-air/indoor cinemas and theaters can operate at 60 percent capacity. The wearing of masks is mandatory when entering and exiting establishments, but also during performances.

4. The use of a mask is mandatory in all closed workplaces in the public and private sector and at open spaces where the rule of 1.5 meters distance can not be observed such as squares, bus stops and at queues outside of supermarkets. It is strongly recommended for all citizens of Attica to wear masks in all other open spaces as well.

5. Open-air agricultural markets (“laiki”) can operate with only 60 percent of farm producers, per category and with a three-meter distance between each portable bench. It is mandatory for both producers and consumers to wear masks.

6. A strict maximum limit of six people at restaurant or café tables.

Speaking on SKAI television, Greek infectious diseases expert Marios Lazanas warned that if measures are not rigorously implemented the situation could get worse, leading to harsher measures or even local lockdowns in addition to mandatory mask-wearing at all times.

Amid rising concerns about a spike in coronavirus infections, and a sharp rise in patients requiring intensive care treatment, hospitals have been put on alert. Of 930 ICU beds nationwide, 229 have been set aside for Covid-19 patients. Of those, 86 were occupied and 143 were free on Wednesday. The rate in Attica is 71 percent as, of the 75 beds set aside for coronavirus patients, 53 were occupied and 22 free on Wednesday. 

Considering the allocation of the 70 billion EU rescue funds secured by Greece to address the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, Alternate Finance Minister Theodore Skylakakis said that investments and reforms should be the top priority.

Skylakakis stressed that putting the funds to strategic use was vital, particularly at this “unique and historic moment”. “Whatever we put into the fund has to succeed,” he said, adding that timeframes are limited and adjustment difficult.

Regarding yesterday’s 312 cases:

22 were detected during the tests carried out at Greece’s entry points

6 imported cases that took the test voluntarily

174 cases were detected in the regional unit of Attica

26 cases were detected in the regional unit of Thessaloniki

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Achaia

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Voiotia

3 cases were detected in the regional unit of Drama

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Evros

2 cases were detected in the regional unit of Evoia

2 cases were detected in the regional unit of Imathia

7 cases were detected in the regional unit of Iraklio

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Ioannina

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Karditsa

2 cases were detected in the regional unit of Kastoria

3 cases were detected in the regional unit of Corfu

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Kilkis

3 cases were detected in the regional unit of Kozani

3 cases were detected in the regional unit of Korinthia

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Kos

2 cases were detected in the regional unit of Fthiotida

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Larissa

7 cases were detected in the regional unit of Lesvos

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Messinia

11 cases were detected in the regional unit of Pellas

10 cases were detected in the regional unit of Pierias

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Rethimno

4 cases were detected in the regional unit of Trikala

1 case was detected in the regional unit of Florina

14 cases remain under investigation

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