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Aegean ferries to lose $20 million in one month, market experts report

The Greek Herald
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Aegean ferries to lose $20 million in one month, market experts report

The 22 large ferries still providing coastal shipping services across the Aegean Sea are suffering daily losses of 660,000 euros, market experts note.

Ekathimerini reports that these losses have come to a total of 20 million euros in just one month for the ferry operators, and will rise to 40 million if this situation continues – as expected – for two months.

Passenger traffic collapsed 75 percent last week and since Monday has dropped close to zero, following the preventative measures imposed by the government, urging citizens to stay indoors, to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Read More: Government bans travel to the Greek islands for non-residents

As of March 21, Greek authorities tightened restrictions specifically for ferry travel, allowing movement only for permanent island residents and for those wishing to return to Athens.

Leading bankers, who are very familiar with those companies’ financial figures, estimate that if coastal shipping maintains 70 percent of its truck transport activity compared to the same time last year, then each ferry setting sale in the Aegean will lose 30,000 euros per day on average.

Read More: TGH Exclusive: A Greek’s journey to Australia amidst coronavirus restrictions

Larger vessels, serving Crete, are seeing daily losses close to 40,000 euros per day.

Thanks to the significant decline in fuel prices in Greece, losses could potentially be even more catastrophic, yet ferry services are still suffering significantly from coronavirus panic across the globe.

Impact of increased panic buying in Australia shown in photo of Woolies worker in tears

The Greek Herald
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Impact of increased panic buying in Australia shown in photo of Woolies worker in tears

Panic buying in Australia has led to newfound violence and sadness in the community, with the worker in the image being dealt the full brunt of the impatience and violence from shoppers in Australian supermarkets.

The image shown above depicts a woman in the supermarket’s uniform crying in the self-serve checkout, who had previously dealt with an aggressive customer.

The woman who shared the image on Facebook urged customers to “be decent” when dealing with supermarket staff who are just trying to their jobs.

“All of you need a god dam reality check!,” she posted.

“These poor workers are being brought to tears because of the way people are treating them, blaming them and abusing them for something they have no control of! They’re humans just like the rest of us, trying to make a living, trying to do the best job they possibly can for everyone at the moment.

Supermarkets across the country have implemented limits on products as pandemic hoarding intensifies. Picture: Getty Images.Source:AFP

“Before you act like an a**hole just looking for someone to blame for all of this mayhem, maybe try and think about the fact that these people are just trying to do their jobs and don’t need to be abused every 10 minutes just because Woolworths or Coles is out of stock!

“Be a decent human in these time you never know what someone is struggling with in their lives and you’re abusing someone over not being able to buy 3 packets of pasta or some toilet paper!!!!!”

Australia’s supermarket chains have been forced to impose product limits on products such as toilet paper and pasta, to prevent customers from over-stocking from coronavirus fears.

While restrictions have been issued, shortages of these products have led to increased aggression from customers, who have been placing their anger towards staff and other shoppers.

Scott Morrison is urging Australians to stop hoarding food and other supplies as supermarkets struggle to cope with shortages amid the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: ABC

There have now been several instances of physical fights in supermarket isles, particularly over the collection of toilet paper.

Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed his disappointment at panic buyers across the country, saying that this behaviour is “un-Australian”.

“Stop hoarding,” he said. “I can’t be more blunt about it. Stop it. It is not sensible, it is not helpful and it has been one of the most disappointing things I have seen in Australian behaviour in response to this crisis.

“That is not who we are as a people. It is not necessary. It is not something that people should be doing.”

Greece calls for flexibility from banks during coronavirus crisis

The Greek Herald
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Greece calls for flexibility from banks during coronavirus crisis

Greece urged banks on Thursday to do more to support individual and business borrowers who have been regularly servicing their loans to soften the blow of the coronavirus lockdown.

Finance Minister Christos Staikouras called for more flexibility from Greek banks, which have said they would offer individual borrowers hit by the coronavirus crisis a three-month freeze on loan repayments as part of relief efforts.

This move followed a decision to suspend loan repayments for businesses, meaning they would only need to pay interest and not repay any principal for six months.

“Banks ought to act with a greater degree of flexibility, as they have started to do, towards the direction we have agreed,” Staikouras said, citing the European Banking Authority’s (EBA) detailed guidance on how banks could help borrowers in need.

“(The EBA guidance) will facilitate banks’ decisions on their required effort to support borrowers with performing loans – businesses and households,” Staikouras said.

Greece has so far reported 821 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 22 deaths. Authorities have closed restaurants, bars, shops, playgrounds, schools, shopping malls, universities and gyms to stem its spread.

The EBA, which postponed an EU-wide stress test to 2021 to allow banks “to prioritise operational continuity”, has asked supervisory authorities to make full use of flexibility in the regulatory framework to support the banking sector.

Greek banks have been working to reduce a pile of about 75 billion euros ($82.65 billion) of bad loans, the legacy of a 10-year financial crisis that shrank its economy by a quarter.

Sourced by: Reuters

Focus on your mental health and wellbeing in an age of social isolation

Andriana Simos
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Focus on your mental health and wellbeing in an age of social isolation

The Federal Government has recently implemented Stage 2 social isolation measures, banning people from attending pubs, clubs, sporting events and even cinemas.

Whilst there is an immediate negative impact to many small businesses across Australia, these restrictions are also guaranteed to have potentially long-term mental health impacts on all Australians.

In fact, according to Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Pandelis Nicholas Tsomis, the changing daily circumstances and uncertainty about the future can give rise to heightened individual and community anxiety.

“Elderly will be more anxious because media is reporting they are higher risk. Parents will be more anxious because media are reporting children are at risk. I’m seeing younger mothers becoming more despondent and anxious,” Mr Tsomis said.

“We normally encourage people to socialise, go to public places and avoid isolation with their new baby. With COVID-19 we are telling them the opposite.”

Getting support and keeping healthy:

As part of the Federal Government’s $2.4 billion COVID-19 health package, people who are in mandatory quarantine and certain vulnerable groups will still be able to access mental health services, without exposing others.

Mr Tsomis said that whilst he “applauds” the government’s actions, more resources are still needed.

“First of all, we need to be more patient with ourselves, more tolerant and caring. If you approach people to help them, do it gently and calmly. Don’t demand they get better now,” Mr Tsomis said.

And that’s not all you can do.

Digital technology such as Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp can help you check in on your family, friends and neighbours. A simple phone call to your parents, your grandparents or even your siblings can brighten their day if they’ve been feeling increasingly isolated.

What about apps like Zoom? They aren’t being used only in the classroom. They can enable Greeks around the world to create a “virtual Easter table” as Holy Week approaches. Keeping up and maintaining these Greek traditions will definitely put a smile on your face!

But more importantly, if there is someone who doesn’t have a large social circle or someone who is separated from family and friends due to social isolation, check in on them. We need to make more of an effort than ever before to ensure everyone is looked after.

And above all, make sure you stay in touch with your own emotions and thoughts. Here’s a list of the top 5 things you can do to boost your own mental health when in self-isolation:

1. Access good quality information:

Get the facts. Gather information that will help you accurately determine your risk so that you can take reasonable precautions and maintain your anxiety levels. Find a credible source you can trust such as the World Health Organization or the Department of Health.

If you have children who are displaying signs of anxiety or stress, provide facts about what has happened, explain what is going on now and give them clear information about how to reduce their risk of being infected in words that they can understand depending on their age.

2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle:

If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ensure you eat well, sleep and exercise. Maintain social contact with loved ones at home, and by email or phone with other family and friends.

Listening to the radio or even practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can add a bit of variety to your routine and help you remain positive.

3. Pay attention to your needs:

Keep your own needs and feelings in mind and use these as guide to how some other people may be feeling. Each person has different challenges but to make a start in understanding others, it helps to keep an eye on how we are travelling as well.

4. Focus on what you can control:

Give your thought patterns a reality check. For example, if you get stuck in a ‘thinking loop,’ think about something else or reassure yourself. Remind yourself to be in the present moment as anxiety has a tendency to get you to focus on the ‘what ifs.’

5. Take a break from the news:

While it’s important to stay informed, exposing yourself to a constant stream of negative information takes a huge psychological toll. Avoid reading social media posts that warn of an apocalypse and don’t get drawn into doomsday discussions. Sticking to the facts and relying on scientific sources for your information is the best way to maintain perspective and manage your feelings positively.

You can find out more information at BeyondBlue or Lifeline.

Greek Independence Day around the world looked different this year as Greeks sang from balconies and celebrated online

Andriana Simos
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Greek Independence Day around the world looked different this year as Greeks sang from balconies and celebrated online

Although coronavirus restrictions led to the cancellation of large gatherings, Greek pride was still on full display around the world as thousands sang from balconies and went online to celebrate Greek Independence Day.

Greece:

In Greece, the Mayor of Glyfada, George Papanikolaou, initiated a campaign to get people onto their balconies to sing the national anthem from 11-12.30pm.

The spectacle didn’t disappoint. Thousands took to their balconies with Greek flags, as vehicles with loudspeakers blasted the Greek national anthem around the streets to help spread cheer despite the lockdown conditions.

"Είμαστε εις το εμείς και όχι εις το εγώ". Ενωμένοι θα περάσουμε και αυτή την κρίση !Ήταν πολύ συγκινητική για όλους μας η ανταπόκριση των συμπολιτών μας – ο καθένας από το σπίτι και από το μπαλκόνι του – στην πρωτοβουλία να ακουστεί ο Εθνικός Ύμνος σε όλη τη Γλυφάδα. Ήταν μια στιγμή ψυχικής ανάτασης, που την είχαμε όλοι μας ανάγκη. Χρόνια πολλά σε όλες και σε όλους. Ζήτω το Έθνος!

Posted by Giorgos Papanikolaou on Wednesday, 25 March 2020

Although many were upset that the traditional military parades did not take place, fighter jets and army helicopters still flew over Syntagma Square to celebrate the occasion.

Australia:

Australia didn’t forget either. In a heartwarming community initiative by Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Burwood, speeches and poems were read by children from the Greek School and posted on Facebook.

Parish priest, Father George, joined in on the fun, giving an important history lesson on how March 25 is a ‘double celebration’ commemorating not only the start of the War of Independence in 1821, but also the Annunciation of the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear the son of God.

Greek National Day poem

GREEK PRIDE – CELEBRATING GREEK NATIONAL DAY AT HOME! | Many of us may be housebound right now but that hasn't stopped our Greek School students for sharing their Greek pride – and Greek language skills. Congratulations Georgia D for this fabulous recital of your 25 March poem. Fantastic effort – so proud of you. And thanks to her mum Susie for sending it through! Enjoy…#StNectariosBurwoodLive | #TogetherAsOne

Posted by Saint Nectarios Burwood – Sydney, Australia on Tuesday, 24 March 2020

Interestingly, and for the first time in history, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia also held a closed ceremony at the Cathedral of Archangels Michael & Gabriel’s to celebrate the occasion.

The ceremony was only attended by the Community’s President Mr Bill Gonis, the General Secretary Mr Peter Ppiros, the Treasurer Mr Peter Gardiakos, Mrs Eleni Mermingis-Kounavelis, member of the Administrative Council and the church’s vicar. 

As the Greek National Anthem resonated across the church’s empty courtyard, an eerie feeling was felt amongst the crowd. But still, it was a humble tribute towards those men and women whose struggle ensured Greece’s freedom.

New York:

Hundreds of Greek students from around the United States were able to celebrate Independence Day from their own homes using a digital platform called Greek Lessons OnLine (Greek LOL). Ada Leivada, coordinator of Greek LOL, said the event was a huge success, with young proud Greeks promoting Hellenism and celebrating freedom in the virtual space.

Greeks from around the world jumped onto GreekLOL’s platform to celebrate Independence Day.

All in all, it looks like despite the coronavirus restrictions, Greek people worldwide were still able to show their pride for the heroes and heroines who fought hard for freedom from the Ottomans.

Australian MP John Alexander joins Armenian-Assyrian-Greek ‘Joint Justice Initiative’

The Greek Herald
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Australian MP John Alexander joins Armenian-Assyrian-Greek ‘Joint Justice Initiative’

Member of Parliament and Chair of the Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities, John Alexander, has signed an Affirmation of Support joining the Joint Justice Initiative launched by the Armenian-Australian, Assyrian-Australian and Greek-Australian communities.

The Joint Justice Initiative was launched in Canberra last month with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA) and Australian Hellenic Council (AHC).

It calls for national recognition of the 1915 Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against its Christian Armenian, Assyrian and Greek populations.

The Joint Justice Initiative was launched in Canberra by the Armenian-Australian, Assyrian-Australian and Greek-Australian communities.

Read More: Australia’s Greek community joins initiative to recognise Turkish-committed genocide.

Mr Alexander, who is the Federal Member for Bennelong, the most densely Armenian-populated electorate in Australia, has been a long-standing advocate for Australia’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide, speaking on the record on the issue on countless occasions.

Last year, he became the first Federal Australian politician to visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan as part of the first Federal-led Australian Delegation to Armenia and Artsakh.

“Mr. Alexander’s record calling for Australia’s recognition of the Ottoman Genocide of Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks is exemplary, and his backing of our Joint Justice Initiative is a welcome honour for all in our communities,” ANC-AU Executive Director, Haig Kayserian, said.

Thessaloniki International Film Festival moves online in response to coronavirus postponement

Andriana Simos
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Thessaloniki International Film Festival moves online in response to coronavirus postponement

In a sign of how the global film industry is already adapting to a new reality, the Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) has moved its industry section, Agora, online to keep creativity alive and kicking during Greece’s lockdown.

The TIFF had to postpone its Documentary Festival last month due to the coronavirus outbreak and in response, it is asking 11 directors to shoot short films whilst in isolation and post them onto the newly digital Agora.

The Documentary Festival was expected to attract millions of people this year. Source: TIFF.

The project, titled ‘Species of Spaces,’ invites the participating directors to use their films to comment on the new reality that we all live in.

“The main idea for each director is to create a short film of up to three minutes long, at home, using the environment, the people or the animals that exist in that space,” the website writes.

Alexandros Voulgaris is one of 11 directors asked to participate in the initiative.

“The only outdoor areas permitted are living spaces, such as balconies, gardens, terraces or stairwells. When they are completed, the films will be available on the Thessaloniki Film Festival’s YouTube channel.”

The directors are award-nominees of the Hellenic Film Academy and include Alexandros Voulgaris, who is best known for his film The Boy, Marianna Economou, Panagiotis Evangelidis and many more.

The winners of the competition will be announced by the academy on April 14.

In the meantime, two online competitions for children and adolescents are also in the works, with the TIFF hoping to activate the children’s creativity and offer them a cinematic challenge for the days of isolation.

Read More: Greece’s Thessaloniki Documentary Festival postponed due to coronavirus fears.

Italy seizes nearly 2000 respirators bound for Greece in coronavirus fight

Andriana Simos
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Italy seizes nearly 2000 respirators bound for Greece in coronavirus fight

Italian authorities have seized a shipment of 1,840 manual respirators and other medical supplies intended for patients receiving hospital treatment for COVID-19 in Greece.

The seizures were carried out by Italian police division, Guardia di Finanza (GdF), due to a prohibition for companies to sell medical devices overseas during the coronavirus crisis.

Greece luckily has a backup after China sent 1 million surgical masks to Greece on March 21. Source: Getty Images.

Initial inspections of the truck at the port of Ancona, found respiratory devices comprising of a mask, tube, and hand-operated balloon, which are used to help airflow into the lungs.

According to media reports, the masks and other medical supplies will now be distributed to hospitals across Italy where demand for new supplies remains high.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Italy rose to 74,386 on Wednesday, with Greece recording 821 cases and 22 deaths.

The seizure comes in the wake of the French government, under President Emmanuel Macron, also seizing trucks containing 130,000 FFP3 face masks that were headed to the UK earlier this month.

These developments imply a severe breakdown in the spirit of cooperation between nations as medical supplies run short globally amid enormous demand.

Mitsotakis marks Independence Day: The enemy is now the pandemic

Andriana Simos
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Mitsotakis marks Independence Day: The enemy is now the pandemic

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.

Greek army raises the Greek flag at Evros to mark Independence Day [VIDEO]

Andriana Simos
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Greek army raises the Greek flag at Evros to mark Independence Day [VIDEO]

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.

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.

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