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Rita Wilson opens up on ‘extreme side effects’ from coronavirus treatment

The Greek Herald
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Rita Wilson opens up on ‘extreme side effects’ from coronavirus treatment

In her first TV interview since contracting the virus, Rita Wilson shared new details about battling coronavirus, alongside her husband Tom Hanks, with CBS This Morning’s Gayle King.

While the 63-year-old actress and singer said she’s now feeling “great”, more than a month after testing positive in early March, she explains that the treatment process was a gruelling experience.

Read More: Tom Hanks attempts an Aussie accent as he hosts ‘Saturday Night Live at Home’

The actress revealed she was given chloroquine, a drug that has been used to prevent and treat malaria that is being studied as a possible COVID-19 treatment.

“I know people have been talking about this drug, but I can only tell you that I don’t know if the drug worked or it was just time for the fever to break,” she said. “My fever did break, but the chloroquine had such extreme side effects. I was completely nauseous. I had vertigo. I could not walk and my muscles felt very weak.”

The now healthy couple returned home last month. Photo: AP

Rita Wilson later cautioned that people need to be considerate with the drug, saying, “we don’t really know if it’s helpful in this case.”

Speaking with Gayle King, the Greek American actress says that she suffered worse symptoms than her husband, yet both recovered around the same time.

Read More: American actor Tom Hanks says Greek life is “just the best life one can have”

“I was very tired. I felt extremely achy,” Wilson told King.

“Uncomfortable, didn’t want to be touched and then the fever started. Chills like I’ve never had before. Looking back, I realise I was also losing my sense of taste and smell which I didn’t realise at the time.”

“He (Tom Hanks) didn’t have as high of a fever. He did not lose his sense of taste or smell, but it still took us the same time to get through it,” she said.

In a Saturday Night Live performance last week, Hanks thanked healthcare, delivery, grocery and other frontline workers who have been working tirelessly amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Guardian praises Greece for “beating coronavirus” despite decade of debt

The Greek Herald
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The Guardian praises Greece for “beating coronavirus” despite decade of debt

Officials from The Guardian have praised Greece for its great handling of the coronavirus crisis, particularly with a recovering health system. According to the British newspaper, Greece, despite ten years of economic crisis, has managed to keep the number of cases low compared to other European countries.

“The country’s ability to meet public health emergencies was not a given,” the report said, adding that “after almost a decade of economic crisis, Greece’s health system is far from recovering.”

Read More: Mitsotakis: The war has not been won yet

“State hospitals have lifted the weight of the cuts required in exchange for help from lenders. With the arrival of the pandemic in Europe, authorities knew, 18 months after the exit from the memoranda, that they had only 560 units of intensive care,” The Guardian writes.

Syntagma Square. Photo: AP

In a statement to the British newspaper, Dr. Andreas Mentis, head of the Pasteur Institute, said: “There were weaknesses that worried us. Before diagnosing the first case, we started looking at people and isolating them. The incoming flights, especially from China, they were being monitored. Later, when they started repatriating from Spain, for example, we immediately put them in quarantine in hotels.”

Read More: Greek Community of Melbourne at the forefront of initiatives to support Greeks during COVID-19 pandemic

While the strict measures weren’t immediately accepted, the Guardian adds, health authorities made the decision to close impose strict public measures from early on. This included shutting beaches and ski resorts, banning public gatherings of more than 10 people, banning travel to the islands, and closing the churches.

Alexis Patelis, the prime minister’s economic adviser, says “it was very clear that we needed experts we needed to listen to. However, the Greeks have gone through a crisis, they know what it is. And that has allowed them to adapt.”

Read The Guardian’s full report here.

Archdiocese of Athens distributes parcels for 10,000 families in need

The Greek Herald
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Archdiocese of Athens distributes parcels for 10,000 families in need

The Archdiocese of Athens distributed thousands of parcels containing food and basic necessities yesterday to families in need.

Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens blessed the parcels blessed that parcels as they were given out to approximately 10,000 families. The charitable act followed an initiative of the General Philoptochos Fund and the Apostoli charity of the Archdiocese of Athens.

Speaking to reporters, Archbishop Ieronymos said the Church and the state have a good relationship.

When asked to comment about people receiving Holy Communion at the weekend at a church on the island of Corfu and one in Athens, despite the ban on people gathering at churches, Ieronymos said, “Holy Communion is not being discussed.”

“It is different to people congregating,” he said, without further elaborating.

Read More: Priests under investigation in Greece after offering Holy Communion to the faithful amid lockdown

Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, said the actions of the priests were a clear violation of the coronavirus lockdown.

“What happened today in churches in Koukaki and Corfu is a violation of the law and of the Holy Synod’s orders, and put the lives of citizens and public health in great danger,” Mr Hardalias said in a statement.

The move comes after the Greek government banned the public from church, with only a maximum of five people allowed inside to conduct religious services. This includes the priest, chanters and assistants.

Greek Community of Melbourne at the forefront of initiatives to support Greeks during COVID-19 pandemic

The Greek Herald
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Greek Community of Melbourne at the forefront of initiatives to support Greeks during COVID-19 pandemic

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has recently released a coordinated response over the past few weeks focussed on developing a coordinated response for Greek citizens without Australian rights navigating the COVID19 pandemic alongside the response to its own affairs.

In doing so, the GCM has been in close consultation with the Victorian and Australian Governments, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, professional groups and various community organisations and community advocates.

Meeting with the Hon Alan Tudge

GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM and Hon Secretary Costas Markos met with the Acting Federal Minister for Immigration, the Hon Alan Tudge.

The meeting discussed many matters affecting the broader Greek community but in particular focussed on the plight of Greek temporary residents in Australia who fall outside of the various Government programs being introduced to support the broader Australian population.

Appeal to the Greek State

The GCM has written to the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis raising the issue of Greek citizens in Australia on short term visas.

Further, the GCM President wrote to the Greek Minster of the Interior, Mr Theodorikakos with whom he also raised the plight of these people noting that they have fallen through the cracks of Australia’s efforts to support its citizens.

Mr Theodorikakos said that he was very concerned with the plight of any Greek citizen and whilst thanking the Greek Australian community for its efforts, noted that anyone who required assistance should make immediate contact with the Foreign Ministry of Greece.

Community Support

The GCM applauded the efforts of a number of community organisations, who as a result of the pandemic, have come together to prepare care packages for families affected by the pandemic in our community.

Specifically, the GCM highlighted the efforts of Pontiaki Estia, Merimna Pontian Ladies Association, the Pancretan Federation, and the Pallaconian Brotherhood. These organisations are calling for the donation of food, clothing, and hygiene products.

Any individual or organisation seeking to help can contact Litsa Athansiadis (0421 804 968) and or Tony Tsourdalakis (0419 856 736).

Helpline

In the meeting with Minister Tudge, the GCM proposed the establishment of a helpline to help service and direct members of the community and in particular Greek citizens who don’t qualify for Australian programs. The Minister supported the establishment of such a service an encouraged the GCM to take the initiative and see it through.

The GCM further announced that as of Thursday 16 April, they will be offering a free HELPLINE service from its HQ, with the aim of directing community members, but in particular Greek citizens, accordingly during this crisis.

The service will operate from 9AM to 5PM offering a conduit for all the various programs to be accordingly promoted to the people who will be most in need.

Simply call on 03 9662 2722 or via email at info@greekcommunity.com.au.

The Archdiocese’s Northcote District COVID-19 Relief Program

After communication with the Archdiocese over the community response to the pandemic, the GCM President spoke in person with the Greek Orthodox Primate of Australia, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and with the Northcote District’s Archiepiscopal Reverend Evmenios.

The GCM announced that they support the Archdiocese actions at this time, including its social relief program in the Northcote District. Specifically, the GCM supports the call for donations of goods (food, clothing and hygiene products) at the following locations:

  • Holy Monastery of Action (“Axion Estin”) – 7 Hartington St, Northcote.
  • St. Paraskevi Parish – 22 Marsden Crescent, St Albans
  • Parish of visitation of the Lord – 23-29 Victoria St, Coburg
  • Transfiguration Parish of the Savior – 45 Poplar St, Thomastown

Holy Wednesday and the Sacrament of Holy Unction

The Greek Herald
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Holy Wednesday and the Sacrament of Holy Unction

The ceremonial traditions which Greek Orthodox people carry out during Holy Wednesday are drawn from the Gospel of Matthew, which tells the story of what took place two days before Jesus Christ was crucified.

The first sacrament which is conducted is that of the Holy Unction.

Holy Unction:

On the afternoon or evening of Holy Wednesday, the Sacrament of Holy Unction is conducted in Orthodox parishes. The Sacrament is performed by a gathering of priests, ideally seven in number. However, it can be performed by a lesser number and even by a single priest.

After the reading of seven Epistle lessons, seven Gospel lessons and the offering of seven prayers, which are all devoted to healing, the priest anoints the faithful with the Holy Oil. He makes the sign of the cross on the forehead, top and palms of hands, saying ‘For the healing of soul and body.’

The sacrament is offered for healing and for the forgiveness of sins.

Painting of the ‘sinful’ woman who anointed the head of Jesus shortly before the Passion. Source: Unknown.

The Bridegroom Service continues:

On Holy Wednesday, the Orthodox Church also invites the faithful to focus their attention on two figures: the sinful woman who anointed the head of Jesus shortly before the Passion (Matthew 26:6-13), and Judas, the disciple who betrayed the Lord. The former acknowledged Jesus as Lord, while the latter severed himself from the Master. The one was set free, while the other became a slave.

The juxtaposition of these two biblical figures on Holy Wednesday is particularly significant as it teaches people the difference between freedom, sin, hell and repentance.

Mourners claim they have been banned from visiting Melbourne cemeteries

Andriana Simos
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Mourners claim they have been banned from visiting Melbourne cemeteries

Mourners have been been left confused by restrictions around visiting cemeteries in Victoria, with police saying people are allowed to mourn as long as they keep to social distancing rules.

Father Lykopandis said he was banned from a Melbourne cemetery. Source: Facebook.

But that wasn’t the case for Father Emmanuel Lykopandis who claimed on Facebook that he was shut out from visiting Keilor Cemetery on Good Friday.

“I was informed by the Greater Metropolitan Cemetery Trust that visiting grave sites to place fresh flowers and lighting the oil lamps is regarded as non-essential,” Father Lykopandis wrote.

“We hope the state government of Victoria can see there is need for people to visit the cemetery.”

And he’s not the only one who claims to have had a brush with the law when visiting a cemetery. Some distraught families jumped online to say they had even been fined for putting flowers down on gravesites.

When asked on Monday about these reports, Victoria Police said in a statement that officers had been given “clear instructions” to exercise discretion if people were in cemeteries to pay their respects.

People claim to have been refused entry to Keilor Cemetery. Source: Find A Grave.

“At this stage we are unable to confirm whether any fines have been issued,” a Victoria Police statement read.

“However, as per our process, all fines in relation to the Chief Health Officer directions will be reviewed to determine whether they should be withdrawn or whether it was more appropriate to issue a warning.

“In the case of people visiting cemeteries, in the absence of any other factors which may have led to an infringement being issued, these fines will be withdrawn.”

Currently, social and physical distancing restrictions still apply during cemetery visits but if possible, the Victorian Government is urging people to “delay” their visit.

Funerals are still limited to no more than 10 people.

Greek Finance Minister: Expect a recession of up to 10 percent due to tourism losses

Andriana Simos
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Greek Finance Minister: Expect a recession of up to 10 percent due to tourism losses

The Greek economy could contract by five to ten percent this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Greek Finance Minister, Christos Staikouras, said in an interview with Thema FM on Sunday.

Mr Staikouras acknowledged that although the initial forecast for GDP growth in 2020 was better in Greece than in other Eurozone member states, the large stake of tourism in the Greek economy makes it more vulnerable to the crisis.

“Greece, which started with better and higher dynamics than the other countries, was estimated to have more than double the economic growth rate compared to Europe,” the Finance Minister said.

“But now we estimate that the Greek economy will be about the same as the European recession due to the greater exposure to our tourism.”

Greek Finance Minister, Christos Staikouras, said the economy could contract by five to ten percent this year. Source: Sterea News.

Asked if there would be lending in terms of debt, Mr Staikouras replied that important decisions had been made regarding fiscal easing and that Greece had the opportunity to take advantage of fiscal spending.

“Greece has the opportunity to finance the crisis conditionally. We have a cash buffer today and it is up to us to deal with the crisis effectively,” he said.

“The Government is trying to give a comprehensive plan which is constantly enriching and rational.”

Mr Staikouras said everything will depend on how the economy functions in the coming months, but the outlook is not looking positive as recent statistics suggest the Greek tourism industry is set to lose at least 50 percent of its revenue in 2020.

Greece’s Minister for Greeks Abroad asks diaspora to ‘keep the homeland in their hearts’ over Easter

Andriana Simos
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Greece’s Minister for Greeks Abroad asks diaspora to ‘keep the homeland in their hearts’ over Easter

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Kostas Vlasis, has sent an Easter message to Greeks abroad, saying the priority this year “is the protection of our health and the health of our fellow human beings.”

“Under normal circumstances, during these Holy Days we meet in the churches so that we can all experience the spirit of contemplation during the greatest celebration of Christianity,” Mr Vlasis wrote.

“This Easter will be different for all of us… That is why we follow the instructions of the experts, we stay home and we stand by those who need us.

“This does not mean however, that we cannot understand the deeper meaning of these days. No matter how tough a test is, there is always light and hope at the end of the road. And this end is not far off.”

This positive message was punctuated by Mr Vlasis’ call for Greeks abroad to keep the homeland in their hearts to ‘draw strength’ during the coronavirus crisis.

Greek Orthodox Churches across the world remain closed due to coronavirus restrictions. Source: Yahoo News.

“In these difficult times, my thoughts and those of all of us here in our Motherland are always with you, the Greeks of the Diaspora, who are being tested away from your country. Stay united with faith and optimism. Keep your homeland in your heart to draw strength,” he stressed.

“After all, you are familiar with hardship. And you know that in the darkest moments our love for Greece is the compass that helps us cross the most inaccessible paths.”

Mr Vlasis concluded his message by wishing everyone a “Happy Resurrection and a Happy Easter with good health to all.”

“I wish that in the future we have the opportunity to celebrate these days healthy with our loved ones, wherever they are.”

READ MORE: Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister postpones visit to Australia due to coronavirus outbreak.

Nursing home under quarantine in Greece after 12 confirmed coronavirus cases

Andriana Simos
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Nursing home under quarantine in Greece after 12 confirmed coronavirus cases

A nursing home in Nea Makri, east of Athens, was placed under quarantine late on Sunday after ten elderly residents and two employees tested positive for the coronavirus.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection released a statement which revealed that an inspection by members of the National Health Organisation (EODY) pointed to a high coronavirus risk for residents.

“Following the results of 122 samples of residents and staff, by order of Deputy Minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias, the retirement home was placed in quarantine by the Greek Police last night,” the Secretariat’s statement read.

Spokesman of the National Health Organisation, Sotiris Tsiodras, and the Head of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, visited the nursing home on Sunday.

The elderly were transferred to Sotiria Hospital in Athens, which has been designated a referral hospital for the coronavirus.

The oldest person from the group is reportedly 101 years old.

The decision to quarantine comes as nursing homes are considered high risk areas for the spread of coronavirus due to the concentration of vulnerable people.

According to the latest official data, 98 people have already died since the outbreak of the virus in Greece, with the total number of confirmed cases at 2,114.

No produce shortage at Greek-owned delis as people prepare for Easter cooking

Andriana Simos
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No produce shortage at Greek-owned delis as people prepare for Easter cooking

Ever since the coronavirus outbreak began, people have been swarming supermarkets and panic buying living essentials such as pasta, rice and flour.

This has thrown a spanner in the works for Greek people across Australia as they prepare for Greek Orthodox Easter this week. Many of those products which are now out-of-stock are key ingredients in traditional Greek dishes and desserts such as mageritsa, koulourakia and tsourekia. And what about the dye which is typically used for the eggs on Holy Thursday?

Luckily for all of us, Greek delis across Sydney have us covered. Here are a few which can support our Easter needs:

Danas Cafe Deli, Marrickville

Danas Deli Cafe has egg dye, lambathes and livani on offer. Source: Facebook.
  • Open every day of Holy Week from 8am – 3pm.
  • They sell egg dye, mastiha, kantilakia, livani, charcoal and wicks.
  • Easter’s not cancelled so you can also buy lambathes, godchild gift packs and icons from the deli.
  • For some Greek staples, you can buy cheese and olives, misco pasta and legumes.
  • Home cooked and frozen meals are also available, including moussaka, pastitsio and spanakopita.
  • Contact: 9558 3573.
Miloway Wines in Earlwood is offering home delivery. Source: Facebook.

Miloway Wines, Earlwood

  • Open every day of Holy Week from 8am – 3pm.
  • They are currently offering free home delivery services for anyone who is vulnerable or unable to get out.
  • Deliveries are within a 10km radius and orders must be placed 24 hours prior to your desired delivery day.
  • You can contact them via private message, call or text 0424 985 103 to place your order.
  • On offer is a selection of imported Greek wines, as well as olives, cheeses and olive oils.
  • Contact: 9559 5673.

Lakes Gourmet Deli, Eastlakes

  • Open every day of Holy Week from 8am – 7pm.
  • If you are in need of anything or know of anyone who is and live locally, call the deli or message them via Facebook to organise a home delivery.
  • Products available for order include: Selection of hams, tsourekia, lambathes and even simple groceries such as tomatoes.
  • Contact: 9667 4776.
Lamia Super Deli in Marrickville also has food platters on offer. Source: Facebook / Vasilis Vasilas.

Lamia Super Deli, Marrickville

  • Open every day of Holy Week from 8am – 6.30pm.
  • Visit the store to try their extensive range of olives imported from all over Greece.
  • This family-owned Greek deli also specialises in amazing food platters. If you’re not feeling up to cooking this Easter, call them or go into the store to arrange a plate.
  • Contact: 9560 1011.

Olympic Continental Delicatessen, Bankstown

  • Open every day of Holy Week from 8am – 5pm.
  • Sydney’s longest running delicatessen is ‘open for business’ over Easter.
  • The deli offers a selection of hams, kalamata olives, misko macaronia and much more.
  • Contact: 9790 1669.
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