Sotiris Tsiodras considers masks a ‘double-edged sword’

Sotiris Tsiodras, who is in charge of Greece’s management of the coronavirus, has stressed the importance of citizens wearing masks in public while alleging it has recently become a “double-edged sword”.

Infectious disease specialist Sotiris Tsiodras gave the latest statistics from the pandemic in a press conference last night, with Greece recording 206 new COVID-19 cases.

As part of the press conference, Tsiodras raised concerns over hesitation by the public to wear masks. The infectious disease specialist says that while it has enabled the public to engage in social activities, it has also meant people have become less cautious.

“I consider the mask a double-edged sword,” Tsiodras said on Tuesday.

“On one hand it is used for a good purpose, by doctors, young children and now for a while in our social activities […], on the other hand it is a necessary evil, to use it as our own personal prohibition, as our own personal lockdown.”

Tsiodras notes that in April, the committee was not in favour of the general use of masks, however stressed that instructions and priorities have changed in that time.

“Based on the latest scientific data, our committee also adopted the new practices,” he said.

“I hope quickly and with a well-tested, safe and effective vaccine, to end these restrictions, to breathe at all levels and to see each other in the face with a clear eye”, also noted Sotiris Tsiodras.

“I think that we must humbly continue to learn, to take the responsibility that belongs to us. To seek solutions with the help of experts and not pseudo-scientists.”

The infectious disease specialist also revealed details about the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine, with Tsiodras appearing highly optimistic.

“I am optimistic that we will have results in October. I would not like to see the vaccine as a means of political confrontation or an opportunity to spread false news,” Tsiodras said.