All educational institutions in Greece to be closed for 14 days due to coronavirus

·

Vassilis Kikilias, the Minister for Health, has made the decision to suspend all educational institutions for 14 days, revealed in an emergency announcement.

The suspension will be valid for the next 14 days and includes kindergartens, schools, IEKs and universities, private and public. This preventive measure aims to reduce the spread of the virus in the community, Mr Kiklias explained.

Special care will still be available for working parents and business that have been affected by these measures, yet the Minister for Health reiterated that parents should restrict their children’s public interaction. Mr Kiklias stated that individual responsibility is required to reduce the spread of the virus, saying “it is time for all Greeks to show responsibility”.

Read More: Vangelis Marinakis diagnosed with coronavirus with Olympiacos matches to be played behind closed doors

At the same time, it was announced that Greece’s prime minister would make announcements on measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, protect public health and deal with the financial consequences.

From Austria, where he was in contact with the country’s leadership, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the closure of schools as a necessary measure “to prevent the rapid spread of the virus and not run behind the clock, controlling the expansion of the epidemic to bolster the health system, but above all to protect the most vulnerable.”

“I appeal to these conditions and support the decision to stay at home for as long as possible. I demand the obvious from those involved in the public debate: accountability, seriousness and solidarity. It is a crisis and we will all go through it together,” he added.

Photo: Greek Education Ministry

Permits and resources for working parents

The government is preparing a special purpose permit for working parents, according to a proposal discussed by Labor Minister Yiannis Broutsis with Finance Minister Christos Staikouras.

Should a parent need to take leave, the cost will be shared between the state, the employer and the employee. The proposal also stated that the age limit of the children of the employees will be set, and the parents will need to supervise the children for two weeks.

89 outbreaks in the country

This morning, Ministry of Health spokesman Sotiris Tsiodras announced five new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 89.

According to the Professor of Pathology – Infectious Diseases of the University of Athens, the four are close contacts of the already confirmed cases and one is an incident from London.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

George Karlaftis on a quest for a third straight Super Bowl

George Karlaftis is no stranger to success. At 23, he has already won two Super Bowls and is now chasing a historic third straight title.

From Sydney to San Sebastián: 10,700 kilometers of passion for PAOK

Among the more than 2,000 PAOK fans who traveled to San Sebastián for the match against Sociedad, one supporter stood out for his journey.

Decree issued for crematorium in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is set to become home to Greece’s second crematorium following the official publication of a presidential decree.

Athens airport to become Europe’s first fully green-powered hub

Athens International Airport is on track to become the first in Europe to rely entirely on renewable energy.

Who are more polite on the road: Australian or Cypriot drivers?

A recent study has ranked Australian drivers among the most courteous in the world, but Cyprus took the top spot.

You May Also Like

The untold story of Greek Australian, Petros Kalpaxis, who fought in the Battle of Albania

Petros Dimitrios Kalpaxis was only 28 years old when war broke out between the Greek and Italian forces on October 28, 1940.

Maria Callas honoured with new museum in Athens

A new museum dedicated to Maria Callas has opened its doors to the public, honouring her life and many achievements.

President Trump calls Greek PM about East Med tension

Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke over the telephone with US President Donald Trump about developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.