Mitsotakis: The war has not been won yet

·

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis praised the country’s efforts to contain the coronavirus on Monday, but said there was no room for complacency before Orthodox Easter.

“We showed our best self and this… fills us with pride, it arms us with more courage to keep fighting,” Mitsotakis said in a televised statement.

“But the war has not been won yet.”

Greece was swift in implementing measures of social distancing after its first case of COVID-19 surfaced in late February, imposing a nationwide lockdown days later.

But as Orthodox Holy Week begins, Mitsotakis urged Greek citizens to stay home and not be tempted to go to church as any complacency could easily reverse the country’s successful efforts to contain the disease so far. 

“Our faith is not at risk, but the health of the faithful. A thread separates victory from disaster and if we don’t heed to the advice of the experts until the end, we may destroy all we have achieved,” he emphasised.

“The slightest complacency can lead to a painful backtracking.”

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, visits Sotiria Hospital in Athens, Greece. Source: Greek Prime Minister’s Office / Dimitris Papamitsos.

Mitsotakis then warned that the return to normal life would be gradual but Greeks would still be different.

“It’s certain, that when the crisis is over we’ll look at the people who stack supermarket shelves differently. We will care if the man on the bike is wearing a helmet. We’ll be saying good morning to the women and men emptying our neighborhoods garbage containers,” he said.

“They will no longer be invisible.”

His televised statement comes in the face of Greece reporting 30 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the total in the country to 2,145. The death toll stands at 99.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Teen star Sam Konstas earns first Cricket Australia contract

Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old opener from New South Wales, has been awarded his first Cricket Australia contract for the 2025–26 season.

Brisbane taverna owner John Theoharis disqualified from driving after licence breach

John Theoharis, co-owner of Brisbane’s popular Lefkas Taverna, has been fined $300 and disqualified from driving for three months.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in talks to buy the Sydney Kings

NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is in talks to buy a stake in the Sydney Kings — with plans to rename the team the ‘Spartan Kings.’

Paros submerged, Syros pelted by hail as storms sweep the Cyclades

Severe weather swept across several Cycladic islands on Monday, March 31 with Paros and Syros among the hardest hit.

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

You May Also Like

Victorian Battle of Crete veteran ‘Norm’ William Maddock tragically dies aged 97

Yesterday it was announced that Battle of Crete veteran Norman “Norm“ William Maddock OAM passed away peacefully at the age of 97.

Sydney Olympic FC equalise match against Mt Druitt Town Rangers

Sydney Olympic FC and Mt Druitt Town Rangers shared the points in a 3-3 draw Round 25 of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.

‘Family was a big reason’: Kosta Barbarouses explains his return to Wellington Phoenix

Decorated A-League Men forward, Kosta Barbarouses, recently signed a two-year deal with Wellington Phoenix FC.