Growing Concerns in Attica Over Soaring Covid-19 Incidents

Photo source: @EODY

Greek government officials and health authorities are on high alert awaiting the effects of current measures on the evolution of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic before taking even harsher action.

Greece on Wednesday recorded 2,646 new confirmed coronavirus cases: 823 in Thessaloniki and 588 in Attica, bringing the total number of infections to 46,892.

According to health authorities, the country currently has 331 ICU (intensive care unit) beds for Covid-19 patients nationwide, 209 of which are occupied.

In view of the continuously rising infection rates, Greek authorities have not ruled out the possibility of an Attica or even nationwide lockdown.

Ordering a lockdown, however, will be the last resort, said Government Spokesman Stelios Petsas.

Photo source: @EODY

Should the country’s Covid-19 committee advise, the next step will be banning all movement to and from areas that are listed red in the country’s risk-assessment map, he said.

If a lockdown is decided, Attica will be the third region to enforce full containment measures after Thessaloniki and Serres, where restrictions took effect this week.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was to meet via teleconference with the Covid-19 committee on Wednesday, to assess the situation and decide further action. According to the PM’s press office, announcements will be made on Thursday at noon.

“In Attica, the increase in cases is not exponential. We will wait to see if the new measures have an effect … stopping the spread and flattening the epidemiological curve,” said Petsas.

Epidemiologists, however, are urging tighter measures for Attica including a 14-day lockdown immediately.