Update – 19/07/2021
July 19, 2021
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As of the latest update by the Greek authorities, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece 457,312. 10 new deaths were reported raising the total number to 12.850. The number of patients treated in intensive care units is currently 123. 1,558 new cases were announced yesterday in Greece. 610 of the new cases were found in the Attica region and 112 new cases in the Thessaloniki region.
The government is awaiting a positive recommendation by the advisory committee on vaccinations to extend the inoculation drive against the coronavirus to youngsters aged 12-15, as soon as this week.
Already, countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan and Italy have approved vaccination of this age group.
Vaccinating the young, even though the great majority show no serious symptoms, is considered by the government an essential tool in the fight against the virus and, especially, its mutations, given the lack of enthusiasm by a significant portion of the adult population to get vaccinated. Another tool is making vaccinations obligatory, initially for just a few targeted groups, such as employees at care facilities for the elderly and hospitals. Legislation to that effect is expected to be introduced this week.
Officials say that the country cannot enter the autumn season with a large segment of the population still exposed to the virus. Not only because many activities move indoors then but also because the government cannot afford to prop up shuttered businesses and furloughed employees without significant damage to its finances.
Experts say, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has often repeated, that by early September at least 70% of the adult population must have completed its vaccinations. But even this may not be enough given that evidence is emerging that even those who have completed vaccinations may need a supplementary dose after six to eight months. This means that the vaunted herd immunity that will be built will not be sufficient. Israel has already accepted this fact.
Greece banned music in restaurants and bars and restricted movement on its popular holiday island of Mykonos on Saturday after a rise in new coronavirus infections there.
Known as the party island of the super-rich, Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular destinations, attracting more than a million visitors each summer, among them Hollywood stars, models and world-famous athletes. Following a “worrying” local outbreak, the Civil Protection Ministry said it was banning music on the island around the clock and would only allow movement between 1 a.m to 6 a.m to those going to and from work, or for health reasons. The restrictions will be in place until July 26, it said.
Greece depends on tourism for a fifth of its economy and desperately needs a strong season this year following a disastrous 2020 when visitor numbers and revenues collapsed. The number of infections has been rising in Greece in recent weeks, forcing the government to mandate the vaccination of healthcare workers and nursing home staff, and to introduce new restrictions across the country, including allowing only vaccinated customers indoors at restaurants and clubs.
“We call on the residents, visitors and professionals on our beautiful island to strictly follow the measures… so that we can quickly control and contain the spreading of the virus and Mykonos can return to normality,” the ministry said.
Unvaccinated travelers returning to mainland Greece from the islands will have to present a negative self-test or a rapid test in order to board a ferry, according to a joint ministerial decision issued on Friday. The same rule applies for those using sea taxis.
The decision comes amid concerns that Greek and foreign tourists traveling to and from the islands are driving the spike in coronavirus infections.
To avoid delays in ferry schedules the Greek Coast Guard, which has been put in charge of checking that public health safety measures are being upheld at ports, is urging travellers to arrive at least an hour and a half ahead of their departure time.
In more detail, the 1,558 new cases detected per Regional Unit:
