Ambassador of China to Greece works with Health Minister cease coronavirus spread to Greece

·

Greek Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias recently held an emergency meeting with the Ambassador of China to Greece, Zhang Qiyue, and with infectious disease specialists to discuss additional measures in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier today, Hong Kong announced that it had banned outbound travel from China in efforts to address the epidemic which has gone from nine fatalities last week to 106 people dead and at least 4,547 infected on Tuesday.

China’s ambassador to Athens confirmed that the government had banned all organised trips in and out of China in efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

In Greece meanwhile, Kikilias announced on Tuesday, the hospitals across the country that will be handling possible cases of the 2019-nCoV, which Chinese disease experts said is contagious from a two-meter distance.

According to the health ministry, hospitals in Greece equipped to deal with coronavirus incidents are:

  • Attica: Sotiria, Evangelismos, Attiko University Hospital, Thriassio,
  • Northern Greece: Thessaloniki AHEPA University Hospital, Alexandroupolis University Hospital, Bodosakio General Hospital,
  • Central Greece: Larissa University Hospital, Lamia General Hospital,
  • Western Greece: the university hospitals of Patra and Ioannina,
  • Crete: Heraklion University Hospital.

On Monday, Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said he was in regular contact with Kikilias and National Public Health Organization (EODY) officials on the issue, noting that an estimated 200,000 visitors from China traveled to Greece in 2019, up from some 180,000 the year before.

“The first priority and for tourism purposes is to ensure that there are no problems in the country itself. We are monitoring the issue,” said Theoharis during a tourism ministry 2020 strategy presentation on Monday.

Meanwhile, country officials worldwide are taking precautionary measures with the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming more than 50 cases outside China, in France, Thailand, Japan, the US, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, Canada, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Germany.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the US State Department on Monday expanded their travel advisories. Japan and South Korea decided earlier today to send charter flights to the Chinese city of Wuhan to evacuate their citizens, while more than half a million South Koreans signed a petition calling for a total ban on travel from China into the country.

Sourced via GTP.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Capturing legacies: The proika exhibition’s emotional tribute to Greek migrants

On Wednesday, November 20, the proika exhibition opened to a crowd of eager guests at the Thematikos x MBO Tailors creative space.

Golden Era Gala: A reunion with a cause to combat brain and rare cancers

White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation have announced the Golden Era Gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on November 30.

Melbourne scientist Steven Petratos offers hope to thousands with multiple sclerosis

The image of Steven Petratos’ grandfather, confined to a chair with trembling hands, left an indelible mark on his childhood.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett to launch book on Nick Thyssen’s legacy

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, supporter of Greece and its diaspora, will launch the biography of Nick Thyssen (Nikos Theodosiadis).

Ithacans in Melbourne enjoy sell-out film screening to support archaeological preservation

On Sunday, at Palace Como in Melbourne, a sell-out crowd of 135 Ithacans and friends gathered to see the historical epic, The Return.

You May Also Like

Five EU countries to take in child migrants stuck in Greece

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that EU countries Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Portugal have all agreed to take in child migrants.

Christina Chiotakis helps discover Australia’s first complete plesiosaur fossil

Greek Australian palaeontologist Christina Chiotakis helps discover Australia's first complete plesiosaur fossil.

Remembering Melbourne’s ‘warrior,’ Costa Procopiou, who fought for the Cypriot cause

Greek Community of Melbourne President, Bill Papastergiadis, remembers Melbourne's 'warrior,' Costa Procopiou.