Timely preventive measures taken by the Greek Government tackle the spread of Coronavirus in Greece
Dear Colleagues, Friends, valued Clients,
Greece’s first recorded infection of Coronavirus (Covid-19) was on the 26 th of February 2020. Since that day, the Greek Government implemented, timely and decisive, some strict, preventive, measures to tackle the spread of the Coronavirus nationwide.
These measures included, amongst others, the shutdown of schools and universities (March 11), all country’s courts, cinemas, cafes, bars, shopping centers (malls), restaurants, libraries, museums archaeological sites and sports venues (March 16) and commercial stores (March 18), while leaving open only supermarkets, pharmacies, food shops, bakeries, pet shops, banks and gas stations (with entry checks preventing overcrowding).
As of March 23, the government followed a number of other countries in Europe in restricting movement, allowing people to travel only to and from work, shopping for essentials, helping a vulnerable relative, walking a pet or taking a run.
Moreover, the Greek Government said a 14-day home restriction will be mandatory for all those who enter the country, regardless of nationality.
The government measures have been broadly welcomed, and, as a result, today the 31 st of March of 2020, 33 days after the first recorded infection in the country, there are 1,314 cases and 49 associated fatalities confirmed.
That shows that the timely measures taken by the Greek Government worked and reduced the spread of the Coronavirus, providing valuable time to the country’s health system to strengthen.
Nevertheless, as the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has repeatedly pointed out, “the difficult times are still ahead of us, next month will be very tough, seriousness, accountability and restraint will be needed”.
The Greek society reacted very positively to all above taken measures with immediate response from the Greek business and shipping community making significant and generous donations to hospitals, to the National Health System, while the medical personnel of the country is making heroic efforts to help and cure those citizens infected.
Finally, the Greek government announced and already implements a sizable financial program to sustain the Greek economy and workforce.
Let’s all hope for the best. In the meantime, #StayHome #StaySafe
Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners