Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has marked the anniversary of Independence Day by delivering a message of unity and resilience in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
“The enemy is now the pandemic and against it we will parade our strength and unity,” Mitsotakis said in an address to the nation yesterday.
“Only united nations can overcome difficulties. No social construct can stand without the foundation of health. And no citizen can be well if others around [him or her] are not well.”
The Prime Minister then called on citizens to honor the national anniversary by staying at home, stressing that “the chieftains and flame throwers of our times are doctors and nurses. The heroes in white and green.”
“It is incumbent on us to arm them with the munitions that save lives. And give them strength and bolster their spirit by obeying their instructions,” he said.
Mitsotakis ended the address on a positive note, stating that Greek people will once again be able to proudly celebrate the national day of independence once the coronavirus crisis is over.
In a mark of defiance, Greece’s Armed Forces marked the anniversary of the War of Independence on Wednesday with a ceremony at the Greek-Turkish border at Evros.
Army units sang the national anthem and raised the Greek flag near the crossing point to Turkey in the small village of Kastanies.
199 χρόνια μετά την επανάσταση του 1821 και η Ελλάδα γίνεται μια γροθιά, καθώς καλούμαστε να διασφαλισουμε την εθνική μας κυριαρχία και την υγειονομική μας ασφάλεια. Έπαρση σημαιας σήμερα το πρωί, στις Καστανιες του Έβρου.. Θα τα καταφέρουμε…#staystrong#25ηΜαρτίου 💪🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷💪 pic.twitter.com/OyMjuu8EpC
Kastanies has been the focal point of Greek-Turkish tensions, as thousands of Syrian migrants attempt to cross the Greek border after Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, declared they were free to move into Europe.
The military ceremony comes as these tensions escalate, with Turkish fighter jets continuing to violate Greek airspace at least 10 times on Wednesday.
According to Greek authorities, Ankara has not relented on its strategy of increasing pressure on the Greek border, with thousands of migrants still trying to cross the border on a daily basis.
NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM released a statement to the general public on Wednesday, detailing the newly enforced Public Health (COVID-19 Quarantine) Order 2020.
The Order directs that a person who arrives in NSW from having been in another country before arrival, must isolate themselves for 14 days.
The NSW State Emergency Operations Controller released details regarding fines that may be enforced if these quarantine arrangements are not applied, along with the best methods to prevent yourself from being diagnosed with COVID-19.
What you need to Know:
• It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with the Health Minister’s Public Health (COVID-19 Quarantine) Order 2020 ($11,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment). The NSW Police Force will continue to work closely with NSW Health and other state and Commonwealth agencies to minimise health risks to the wider community.
• Self-isolation is crucial to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is a powerful way to protect your family, friends and others in the community.
• Self-isolation combined with good hygiene measures (such as regular hand washing and coughing into your flexed elbow) slows down the spread of the virus which is highly contagious.
• Self- isolation and good hygiene help protect the most vulnerable members of the community who are at risk of becoming very sick and may develop serious conditions that may lead to death. Self -isolation also reduces the impact of the pandemic on essential, life-saving health services.
Staying at home means you:
• DO NOT go to public places such as shopping centres, work, school, childcare or university
• Ask someone to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door
• DO NOT let visitors in — only people who usually live with you should be in your home
Australian immunologist Dr John Dwyer OA, a onetime head of immunology at Yale University and a leader of Australia’s original response to the AIDS crisis, possesses years of knowledge regarding Australia’s handling of disease outbreaks.
In an exclusive interview with the Greek Herald, Dr Dwyer gives his advice on the best way governments can handle this outbreak, reveals how this virus became a global epidemic and why people should be maintaining extreme caution with this disease.
First of all, I would like to have your general comment regarding the situation with Coronavirus as an epidemiologist?
Ilias, I am an immunologist with experience in Epidemiology. I think it is obvious to everyone now that we have a disastrous pandemic of the type not seen since the Influenza pandemic in 1918. 200,00 people infected, 6000 deaths. It does appear that harm reduction techniques, especially enforcement of “social distancing”, has resulted in control of the epidemic in China and South Korea. Australia’s epidemic is in its infancy and we will have thousands more infected in the months to come ( 110 new cases just yesterday).
Dr John Dwyer, an Australian doctor, professor of medicine, and public health advocate.
Do you think that the virus could still be contained at this point or the governments around the world should take other measures?
Containment is no longer possible (that is, the eradication of the virus from the planet), that will only happen when we have a vaccine. Drastic and sustained harm reduction tactics can save many lives, but the battle will be a long one.
Something that is very confusing is the different measures that countries are taking around the world. For example Great Britain and Holland want to achieve heard immunity in the population. So people are going to concerts, marathons etc Spain, Italy have decided to announce a lockdown. Most of the countries are choosing the approach of social distancing. In your point of view what is the most efficient approach?
Reliance on the principle of “herd immunity” is dangerous and unethical. I am appalled that this is the official policy in Holland. There is not enough emphasis on the fact that young people can have very severe consequences from infection including lifelong lung damage. All the emphasis has been on protecting the over 65 population but letting the virus “have its way” would swamp our health systems and cause much suffering and even more economic damage. Also, we immunologists have yet to determine if infection and recovery is associated with long term immunity. With other Corona viruses, immunity is a short lived affair.
Dr Dwyer says the virus is spreading fast and more people need to be tested. Reuters: Francois Lenoir
Do you have an explanation about what happened in Italy? For the average people like me it seems like a dystopic sci fi thriller what is happening there every day?
Italy is paying the penalty for being slow to respond. The population were not given warnings in sufficient time. It’s likely that the cultural features of Italian life, which you might describe as social non-distancing, contributed. Remember every infected person, on average, infects three others so exponential growth is inevitable once the community has person to person spread among people who have not been infected outside of the country.
What will be your number one advice at this point at the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison? Does it make any sense to close all the schools?
Number one advice is the same as the number one advice from WHO. Test Test Test. We know we are not doing enough tests to find infected and infectious Australians who may only have a mild illness. In the meantime, social distancing is our major weapon but so hard to implement. I am developing an opinion piece which explains all this in greater detail. It also explains why closing schools would make things worse, not better.
Are you optimistic about the situation? Any prediction on when it will end this nightmare and Will the coronavirus be among us for a long time?
Certainly no chance of satisfactory control for the next six months. The rate of new infections should be falling rapidly by the end of the year. A vaccine available by mid 2021 (quite realistic – I am optimistic about vaccine development) will be the major factor putting the brakes on this pandemic. Then, COVID-19 will be like Influenza, raising its head each winter but controlled by vaccination.
Greek Community of Melbourne president Bill Papastergiadis OAM, along with the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, have sent messages to the Greek Australian community regarding the unfortunate cancellation of all Greek Independence Day events.
Celebrated on March 25 each year, Greek Independence Day commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. The day signifies the beginning of the Greek revolt, which was precipitated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese.
In Bill Papastergiadis’ letter to the general public, he speaks about the correlation between the brave men who fought for Greece’s freedom in 1821, and Australians today fighting to overcome this tragic virus.
“Today more than ever, as we experience one of the most difficult periods in our lives, we can better understand the hardships of those who fought for freedom in 1821,” Bill Papastergiadis says.
The president of the Greek Community of Melbourne asks the public to be vigilant in times such as these, and remember to pause and consider this most important of days.
“Whilst celebrating the heroes of yesterday, we can now identify contemporary heroes as we face this most virulent and complicated enemy.
“Fortitude and sacrifice made almost 200 years ago along with discipline and commitment is what we should indeed reflect upon as we face the challenges of today.”
Katerina Sakellaropoulou addresses all expatriates
The Greek Consulate General of Greece in Sydney have shared a message made by President of Greece Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who addresses all expatriates on this historic day.
“This year, there will be no parades and events for our national anniversary,” the president says.
“But any Greek, wherever he is, is sure to feel national pride and celebrate the day not collectively but in his heart and soul. This year, national debt invites us to show a spirit of collective consciousness and individual responsibility.
“I hope and hope that this fight, which concerns not only Hellenism but mankind as a whole, will soon be won with the cooperation of the international scientific community. And that year we will celebrate the 200 years since the revolution of 1821 in the most brilliant way.”
Read Bill Papastergiadis’ full letter below:
25 March
I have often prepared for this most important of days on the Greek calendar, full of pride and often introspection.
I have thought of the heroes of that revolution and the odds that they faced and I prepared in the knowledge that we celebrate today because of the sacrifice that those heroes made.
This day however I find myself better understanding their sacrifices.
Today more than ever, as we experience one of the most difficult periods in our lives, we can better understand the hardships of those who fought for freedom in 1821.
Whilst celebrating the heroes of yesterday, we can now identify contemporary heroes as we face this most virulent and complicated enemy. Fortitude and sacrifice made almost 200 years ago along with discipline and commitment is what we should indeed reflect upon as we face the challenges of today.
We should not despair for the difficult times we now face – rather we should face today with the same tenacity that the heroes of 1821 showed. With the same determination shown by our parents and grandparents through their darkest hours during civil war and occupation.
It is with this knowledge that I pause to consider this most important of days.
The Greek Revolution of 1821 is an event that has not occupied its proper place in European history.
It was the first successful Revolution of the 19th century, the first Revolution to strike the famous Vienna Agreement of 1815, the first Revolution to strike the Ottoman Empire in its soft bosom, the revolution that began to break up the “Balkan Orthodox community” by introducing national elements, and finally, the revolution that would begin the redrawing of European borders, a process that would be completed a century later, in the most local scale with the Balkan Wars and in Europe with World War I.
One of the events of the beginning of the “short” Greek 19th century, but so rich in events that it would end with the end of the Empires and the founding of European nation-states. In 1821, our national identity began to realise their demands and crystallise our national vision.
The Greek state as the heir, but also the creator of this Revolution, as well as all Greeks inside and outside the borders, must celebrate the 2 centennial anniversary. On one hand, to honour the futuristic warriors, but also Western-minded intellectuals, ecclesiastical officials and foreigners who participated in this Revolution that went against the whole European balance of forces for the peaceful 19th century Europe. And on the other hand, to celebrate the founding act of the constitution of modern Greece, highlighting the phases of its formation from then to today.
The emergence of 1821 two centuries later, its unifying message, the addressing of all the forces that now form the social body, from those who fled abroad to immigrants, would not only be a highlight of Greece’s modern-day historical depth but also of its potential to be transformed from an Ottoman province into an EU member state.
The Greek nation has always been a “nation on the move”, migrating, seeking financial freedom, excelling in different commercial sectors, adapting, and contributing to the development of the places it found. At the same time, starting in 1821, it acquired a hotbed, which in addition to the pathogenesis of the operation of the state, the ubiquitous Greeks took care to preserve, expand, strengthen financially, and fight for this hotbed.
In 1821, we offered their mother the frontier, the framework and the unifying link between Greeks everywhere in the world. We must preserve this link of unity, which is passed down from generation to generation. It is not only a link to stories, but a dynamic element of our identity, our strength, our cultural imprint, our ability to integrate and our integration.
1821 is a source of ideals, visions and beliefs for every season when we come across “cyclical dances”, as Dionyssis Savvopoulos says.
*Stefanos Kavallierakis is a Historian and Director of the Museum of the City of Athens
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has released a special letter to Greek Australians on Wednesday, celebrating Greek Independence Day on March 25.
Recognising that this years Independence Day will be celebrated in people’s homes, rather than in the street, the Prime Minister says that, “Greek Independence Day is still a time for pride and reflection.”
Scott Morrison also acknowledged the Greek Australian community’s “invaluable contribution” to Australian society, particularly in troubling times such as these.
“Greek Australians have made an invaluable contribution to Australia’s identity and prosperity, and we celebrate the significant role that this community has played in uplifting and enriching our society.
“I wish the Greek Australian community the best for the year ahead, and thank you for all you give to Australia — this special place we call home.
You can read the full letter below:
Greek Independence Day is usually a significant occasion for people of Greek heritage to recall a defining moment in history and to celebrate Greek culture.
However, this year will be different as we all experience a global health crisis.
Coronavirus is a once in one hundred year event. It requires all of us to look out for each other and support each other, so that we can get through this together.
At a time like this, we all depend on the values of generosity, peace and respect that I know the Greek Australian community upholds. Such values also give me great confidence that our nation will get through this.
Life has changed. It will continue to change as we go through these many months ahead.
We are an incredible country — and working together with an incredible sense of purpose, unity and co-operation.
We have a long way to go, but we can draw strength from the common sense, endurance, resilience, and simple human kindness of the Australian community.
We’ll get through this. On the other side, we’ll bounce back strongly because of the work we are all doing and the values we hold dear.
So while the coronavirus has affected this year’s celebrations, Greek Independence Day is still a time for pride and reflection.
Greek Australians have made an invaluable contribution to Australia’s identity and prosperity, and we celebrate the significant role that this community has played in uplifting and enriching our society.
I wish the Greek Australian community the best for the year ahead, and thank you for all you give to Australia — this special place we call home.
South Australia’s Department of Health and Wellbeing announced on Tuesday that there are now 170 COVID-19 confirmed cases in the state, among them a Greek Cypriot woman.
Fifty-year-old Rebecca Cannizzaro Louca was tested positive on Saturday
and remains in isolation at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, in Adelaide.
Cannizzaro Louca, an Adelaide resident of Cypriot background from her mother and Italian from her late father, felt unwell recently and decided to get tested in an effort to keep safe her 72-year-old mother who has advanced lung cancer.
“Never in a million years
did I expect to come back with a positive result. The authorities have taken
all my information and traced back steps to try and work out how I caught this.
I’m probably one of the first known community spread cases,
“I haven’t travelled or
been in contact with anyone from overseas recently apart from my husband’s
cousins who came from Cyprus six weeks ago but they [doctors] have ruled this
possibility out,” she told The Greek Herald.
However, according to a report published on Tuesday night, on the SA Health website, ‘one case involving a person in their 50s is under investigation as possibly being South Australia’s first locally acquired case. This person had recent contact with people who were unwell and had recently travelled overseas however they were not tested for COVID-19 during their illness.’
COVID-19 cases in Australia by state and source of transmission. Source: health.gov.au
“I guess, I just want you to know please be careful
out there…stay home as much as you can because if I can get this, anyone can.
Be kind to one another during this crisis and take this seriously.
No need to panic, just be smart. If you’re showing
symptoms get tested. Sending love and light to everyone,” reads the message she
posted on her social media page, in an endeavour to raise awareness and protect
her loved ones and the wider community, during the current coronavirus
(COVID-19) outbreak.
On Tuesday, South Australia
opened its second drive-through coronavirus testing station, at Hampstead
Rehabilitation Centre, north of the city, while the first clinic has been
operating at the Repatriation Hospital in the southern suburbs.
There have now been 17,800
people tested for the virus in SA, and the processing time has been reduced to
21 hours.
Premier Steven Marshall
said that number represented the most tests per capita of anywhere in the
world.
If you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19) call the
National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or visit https://www.health.gov.au
Greece’s economy will contract this year because of the coronavirus lockdown but the projected recession will be temporary, the finance minister said on Tuesday.
It was a rapid re-estimation as the minister had projected eight days ago that the economy would weather the coronavirus storm and grow just over 0%.
“The situation in Greece’s economy has deteriorated and continues to deteriorate,” Christos Staikouras said in a televised address. “The crisis is deep, it will become deeper and the economy will turn into recession in 2020.”
Greece, which exited its latest bailout in 2018 and was recovering after a multi-year downturn, had been projecting that its economic output would increase by 2.8%.
Staikouras said the downturn will be temporary but the damage to the economy in the short term would be significant.
The country confirmed 48 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the total since its first recorded case on Feb. 26 to 743 people, including 20 people who died. More than 130 people are being treated in hospital.
Among the latest cases were 21 Greek passengers of two flights from Spain, who the state put protectively in quarantine in a hotel earlier this week.
“It was a health bomb ready to explode,” crisis management minister Nikos Hardalias said.
Greece has imposed a curfew restricting the movement of people, with few exceptions, and has halted arrivals from non-EU citizens and those from Italy and Spain. It has also shut down hotels across the country.
Tourism is the Greek economy’s main driver and the sector expects hundreds of millions of euros in revenue losses.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said last week the government would inject 10 billion euros to support the economy through tough times due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia announced on Tuesday evening that they, with support of the Greek community and other archdiocese across the globe, have raised a total of $707,208.91 for the Australian bushfire appeal.
Specifically, the Archdiocese will be donating the funds to:
$325,000 to Bega Valley Shire Council in NSW
$200,000 to Country Fire Authority (CFA) VIC
$125,000 to South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS)
$57,208.91 to Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in NSW
“The Holy Archdiocese of Australia wants to express its gratitude and appreciation to whoever communicated with the Archbishop, to express support and help for the leaders, the clergy and the people of our local Church during the Fire crisis,” a statement by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia says.
The Archdiocese personally thanked his All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, who maintained constant communication with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios from the opening days of the natural disaster, to its eventual conclusion.
“We also want to express the gratitude of our leaders, our clergy and the people of Australia towards his All Holiness our Patriarch for his letters of support and solidarity which we had announced to the public on his behalf.”
In Australia, severe bushfires often occur after record high temperatures, low relative humidity and strong winds. Image credit: Getty
The Archdiocese was “especially touched” with the donations made by the Greek Orthodox leaders in the USA. Archbishop Elpidoforos of America donated $75,000.00 American dollars towards the Australian Archdiocese’s appeal.
“We also thank H.E., the Metropolitans Nicholaos of Mesogeia and Lavroatiki, and Nathanael of Chicago who together with their prayerful support donated 50,000 Australian dollars and 20,000 American dollars respectively.
“For the brotherly and philanthropic gesture made by Metropolitan Nicholaos of Mesogeia, our people were especially touched because we know that his locality had recently suffered the same tribulation.”
2 Greek-Australians identified among 21 lives lost in Australian bushfires
A tragedy that plagued the Australian community at the beginning of 2020, the “Black Summer Bushfires” burnt an estimated 18.6 million hectares of land, destroyed over 5,900 buildings (including 2,779 homes) and killed at least 34 people.
A national Royal Commission into Australia’s devastating Black Summer bushfires was established by the Australian government, with the final report due by August 31.
“…We need to look at what actions should be taken to enhance our preparedness, resilience and recovery through the actions of all levels of government and the community, for the environment we are living in,” Scott Morrison said on February 24 regarding the Royal Commission.
![Greek army raises the Greek flag at Evros to mark Independence Day [VIDEO]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Evros-TOP-PICTURE-768x512.jpg "Greek army raises the Greek flag at Evros to mark Independence Day [VIDEO]")
