The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed a televised message to the citizens about the pandemic and the measures for the protection of Public Health.
The Prime Minister announced the implementation of the lockdown of the March type in Attica, from the day after Thursday to February 28 and after the suggestion of the committee of experts which met extraordinarily after the noon meeting at the Maximos Palace.
The whole message of the prime minister
“My fellow citizens,
A while ago I was informed about the suggestion of our committee of experts. I personally wanted to announce the decision on the new measures and explain the reasons that led us to them.
Almost a year has passed since the outbreak of the pandemic. Greece, along with a handful of European northern countries, has so far effectively resisted the third wave of the Koronovirus. This is stated by the official European data that bring the country in 23rd place in losses among 27. But it is also confirmed by the complex indicators monitored by our Scientific Committee.
We do know, however, that coronavirus attacks can occur suddenly and exponentially. Like the fire that spreads quickly and destructively. See what happened in Portugal. That is why, in the face of a potential phenomenon, we chose the regular review and the flexible adjustment of the measures, depending on the real situation.
Choosing targeted measures with fast reflexes. However, taking into account the accumulated pressure from the constraints and the need that we all have to find our normal rhythms again. Because in the end it was a great breath for the market and society to be open for 2 weeks and closed for 2 weeks from being excluded for 4 weeks.
The goal is to always be one step ahead of the virus. And this tactic brought effect to the last “ban” of January.
Today, however, the danger is reappearing. Not in the form of thousands of sick and deaths, as in other European countries. But with two facts that worry us greatly. On the one hand, the increase of hospitalizations in Attica where the health structures are gradually filling up. And, on the other hand, the mutations of the virus that seem to accelerate its transmissibility. We could wait a few more days, but the bell is ringing and we have learned to work to prevent and not follow the problem, to save lives. Because the precondition for the progress of Greece is the healthy Greeks. All of us who must, now, defend ourselves against the last attack of the virus before the final victory of vaccination. Because it is certain that tomorrow we will gain the lost ground if today we overcome the last obstacles without losses. We know that from April we will be much better. But now we must prevent the danger!
Based on the new data, therefore, I take responsibility for the additional measures for the protection of Public Health.
Thus, from the day after tomorrow, Thursday, until February 28, there will be increased restrictive measures in Attica. This means that it closes all forms of retail and from now on all levels of education will operate remotely. In addition to the special treatment that will be continued with physical presence. The new measures will be further specified tomorrow by those in charge.
My fellow citizens,
Experience from the first wave of the pandemic, as well as from the lockdown after the Christmas holidays, shows that the faster the restrictions are applied, the faster they are lifted. And that the more active they are, the greater their effect. This is the reason for my current choices: To strike the COVID-19 outbreak before it spreads, reducing overall mobility. And give time to the Health System, as vaccinations will proceed quickly.
I know what all this means for the economy. For the merchant who keeps his shop closed and the professional who leaves his job. For the employee, but also for the unemployed. I will say again, however, that there is no economy without health. Not even good customers without healthy citizens. After all, a two-week effort now could bring the full opening of the market sooner. And as long as the crisis lasts, the State will continue to support households and businesses. As it is already launching with the zeroing of the rent of companies that will remain closed in March as well as the extension of the reduced VAT on specific goods. With the 6th and 7th refundable advance and the financed work suspension. But also with the extension of unemployment benefits and the suspension of debts to the State and Funds.
I am well aware, however, of the agony of society. I feel tired for many months. The irritability. Especially to our students who are alienated from their natural environment, the school. I also have a child at school and I know. I fully understand the reaction of the citizens: “Will you close us again?”, They ask me, every now and then. “There are not many who” close “us, but only one”, I answer. And this is the Coronavirus, which we must defeat. Drawing strength from what we have achieved and faith from what we can achieve. Because whatever sacrifices we are called to make now, it is up to us to be the last.
In the joint effort there are mistakes, confusion and negligence. But we must not lose sight of the big picture. Today I am more than ever convinced that the epilogue of this unprecedented adventure has begun to be written.
My fellow citizens,
I call on you again to stay united and to respond with maturity to what life itself asks of us: To protect ourselves and our loved ones. Much more, that the sun of the vaccine illuminates, now, the next day. In a short time the vaccinations in the country will reach 500,000. We are one of the first in Europe in rhythms. While the second installment is being extended to the elderly and the healthcare professionals, the other categories of citizens are also starting soon. Vaccine deliveries will also increase rapidly in the near future.
I will not hide: In the next two months the restriction fan may open and close depending on the alarm levels. It depends on us what will happen each time. But it is also the last mile to freedom. The State has the plan, so that by the end of the spring the most vulnerable Greeks have been shielded. The goal is to meet with that moment prosperous and strong. And a big step on this path of hope is to achieve the measures that will apply from the day after tomorrow. We will keep them and we will win! “
