Update – 28/08/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 9,531. 259 new cases and 6 fatalities were announced in the past 24 hours. The total death toll now stands at 254. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 35. Their median age is 68 years, with 31.4% being women and the rest men. 45.7% have an underlying disease or are aged 70 and over. 147 patients have exited the intensive care unit.

Regarding the cases reported yesterday:

• 25 were detected during the tests carried out at Greece’s entry points
• 6 are imported cases, which requested testing voluntarily
• 107 cases were detected in Attica region, 23 of which are related to recent travel within the country
• 25 cases were detected in Thessaloniki region, 3 of which are related to resent travel within the country
• 1 case was detected in Boeotia
• 1 case was detected in Drama
• 1 case was detected in Evros
• 3 cases were detected in Zakynthos
• 7 cases were detected in Imathia
• 5 cases were detected in Heraklion
• 2 cases were detected in Thesprotia
• 1 case was detected in Ioannina
• 1 case was detected in Kavala
• 3 cases were detected in Karditsa
• 1 case was detected in Kerkyra
• 7 cases were detected in Kozani, 3 of which are related to confirmed cases
• 1 case was detected in Corinthia
• 4 cases were detected in Cyclades
• 5 cases were detected in Larissa
• 22 cases were detected in Lesvos, 2 of which are related to known confluence and 14 to confirmed cases
• 1 case was detected in Xanthi
• 6 cases were detected in Pella, 1 of which is related to known confluence
• 3 cases were detected in Pieria
• 2 cases were detected in Rethymno
• 9 cases were detected in Chania
• 2 cases were detected in Chios, 1 of which is related to known confluence
• 8 cases are under investigation

MEASURES/RESTRICTIONS

• Three cases of the coronavirus in two units of the Magoula fire department in western Attica have placed authorities on heightened alert, although it was stressed on Thursday that the situation is manageable. The first of the three cases was recorded last Monday and the other two on Wednesday following molecular tests performed on the three men. The two units number more than 400 people but authorities at the fire precinct have described the situation as manageable, pointing out that there were only three cases out of a total of hundreds of firefighters. All three firefighters have been quarantined, while their immediate associates in the service are undergoing tests.

EDUCATION

• Students who refuse to wear masks will not be allowed to attend classes at school, Education Minister Niki Kerameus said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Panagiotis Theodorikakos said during a teleconference with the board of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities that municipal authorities are obliged to ensure the necessary conditions for the safe opening of schools in September. He said that 6.2 million euros, the first installment of funds for the purchase of masks for the educational staff and students, was given to the union on Monday, August 25. The aim is for the masks to be available free of charge from the first day of the school year.

GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT MEASURES

• Seeking ways to ease the burden that the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has had on Greek households and businesses, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said this week that the government was preparing a mixed package of measures, including tax breaks and voluntary rent reductions. According to reports, the government is preparing a package of mandated and voluntary reductions in rents in certain sectors, and the extension of tax and contribution payments for Covid-19-impacted households and businesses until March 2021. Stournaras went on to add that suspension of payments to September will be extended into the first quarter of 2021, and a 12- or 24-installment payment plan (at 2.5 percent interest) will be put in place after that.

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