Greek PM claims infection jump ‘not linked’ to tourism reopening

·

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told lawmakers in Parliament on Thursday that the source of the COVID-19 infection jump comes largely from the younger generation.

“We tried many plans but they were betrayed by the behavior of some people,” he said during a debate about the government measures to contain the virus.

“We know today what were the sources of the outbreaks. We are saying this to explain to society that these behaviors create a public health problem for everyone. The main source for the spread was the entertainment of young people.”

EUROKINISSI / GIORGOS KONTARINIS

He said reistating a lockdown “was not an easy choice” because apart from implementation, the measures also need to be adapted.

He also defended the government’s decision to reopen to tourism in July without compulsory testing for all arrivals, arguing that if health authorities had conducted PCR test on all arrivals Greece would have ended up with 10-20% of the tourism it actually had.

He insisted that the jump in infections “is not linked” with the opening of tourism this summer. “Countries that remained completely closed, such as Israel, saw a second outbreak of the coronavirus in September. Cyprus has had stricter procedures and is being hit just as hard,” he said.

Mitsotakis admitted that tougher restrictions should have been taken a week ago in Thessaloniki to avoid the rampant spread of the virus.

“We could have imposed the use of face masks everywhere earlier, limit the evening entertainment earlier, take measures in Thessaloniki earlier,” he said.

Sourced By: Ekatherimini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Historic ties remembered as Greece’s Evzones march in Adelaide’s ANZAC Day parade

During a Dawn Service at West Torrens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

You May Also Like

Bouzouki player, Dean Georgalas, set to amaze in The Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble

Dean Georgalas has been playing the bouzouki since age 9 but more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to adapt his music for the online world.

‘I’m a full termer’: Scott Morrison declares he won’t go to an early federal election

“We need to maintain our discipline and unity and our focus, that’s more important than ever," Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

Greece to fully fence off Evros border with Turkey

Greece has committed to extend a fence along its land border with Turkey in the Evros region and expand surveillance efforts.