Health minister affirms Greece shielded against coronavirus

·

The Greek authorities have taken every measure to protect the country against the spread of the new coronavirus, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Monday, as the death toll in neighbouring Italy climbed to five.

“We have taken all the necessary precautions to safeguard the public’s health. We are organised and structured, and this is proved by the fact that we have successfully dealt with all suspicious cases so far,” Kilkilias told reporters in Athens, following a briefing of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sunday’s emergency meeting of health officials.

Apart from Kikilias, Monday’s briefing was also attended by the ministers of Education Niki Kerameus, Citizens’ Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis, Interior Takis Theodorikakos, State Giorgos Gerapetritis and Migration Notis Mitarakis, among other officials.

Kikilias said he briefed the prime minister on the latest developments concerning the virus, which surged in parts of Italy in recent days, promoting fears that it could spread to Greece.

He also appealed to the media to maintain a “serious” stance in its coverage of the outbreak by avoiding misinformation and fear-mongering.

“It is our duty to defend public health and this means we need to inform citizens in a serious and proper manner, through the proper channels,” he said.

Sunday’s emergency meeting of health officials introduced measures to bolster inspections at Greece’s entry points and particularly its western ports, which receive daily ferry traffic from Italy.

Kikilias added that 13 hospitals in different parts of the country are on standby to receive any suspicious cases and that special guidelines have been given to all hospitals, medical centers, paramedics, ambulance workers, port and airport officials, while the Health Ministry’s committee of experts on contagious diseases is also on standby.

The committee is headed by Athens University professor and infectious disease expert Dimitris Tsiodras, who is expected to hold a press conference on Monday afternoon. 

Sourced by: Ekatherimi

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek school memories: Honouring the teachers who shaped our language and lives

Both the negative and heartfelt stories of Greek school have a way of becoming core memories for Greek Australians.

Spotlight on VCE Greek teacher Kristian Raspa

Sunday, October 5th is World Teachers’ Day and gives us the opportunity to celebrate the influential educators who have shaped our lives.

Movie ‘Arcadia’ picked for Oscars 2026 as Greek entry

The submission will represent the country at the 98th edition of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States.

Greece remains world’s maritime powerhouse in 2025

Greece continues to dominate global shipping, maintaining its position as the world’s top ship-owning nation by capacity.

WA Parliament hosts discussion on book honouring Colonel George Devine Treloar

The Hon. Maryka Groenewald MLC hosted an afternoon tea discussion on Tuesday, 30 September at the Parliament of Western Australia.

You May Also Like

Greeks and Australians share concerns over 5G health impacts

The Australian government are responding to the Australian publics health concerns over 5G technology, which came after the Kalamata Council's delay of 5G.

Father Emmanuel Lykopandis honoured by Victoria Police

Father Emmanuel Lykopandis, the parish priest of the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Melbourne was honoured by Victoria Police on Tuesday

Mount Olympus’ height re-measured a century later

The last attempt to calculate Olympus’ altitude in 1921, showed that the mountain 's height was 2,917.85 meters.