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Coronavirus: in Greece, infections rise, tight checks

Relaxation of measures to encourage tourism, but cases increased

11 August, 17:06
(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 11 AGO - BELGRADE, AUGUST 11 - Greece had been one of the European countries that, through draconian and timely regulations, had managed best to stem the virus spread in the spring. However, the gradual relaxation of restrictive measures, combined with the reopening of borders and the influx of tourists from abroad, which is crucial for a country where tourism 'weighs' for 21% of GDP, is now also putting this country in difficulty. In recent days, Greece recorded a sharp increase in infections, and the rise had already started at the end of July, with an average of forty cases per day between 23 and 31 July.

In August, the scenario became even more worrying. According to Public Health Hellenic Organization, new cases jumped to 110 from August 1; to 118 on August 4, then up to 202 on August 9, the highest number since the beginning of the epidemic.

Fortunately, the deaths linked to Covid-19 are not growing significantly: only six from 3 to August 11, with 214 overall.

" Greece is formally in the midst of a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic" epidemiologist Gkikas Magiorkinis specified, the Guardian reported. The infection curve "is growing seriously", also confirmed Minister of Health Vassilis Kikilias on Monday, quoted by AFP.

The numbers could be due to events where distancing was not respected, and discos and night clubs, the authorities' suspicion, prompted Athens to take more restrictive measures.

Police and local authorities check to enforce virus containment measures "will further intensify in the coming days." The Kathimerini newspaper reported, recalling that between Sunday and Monday alone, thousands of inspections were carried out mainly in bars and restaurants, and more than 3,300 people have been issued fines since the beginning of August, for not wearing masks. On Monday, Athens announced a night curfew for restaurants and bars in the tourist areas most affected by the virus resurgence, including Santorini, Kos, and Crete, AFP specified, pointing out that only 10% of new cases of infection would be due to arrivals from abroad.

Despite the recovery in cases observed in the last period, Greece remains one of the countries in Europe least affected by the virus, with 522 cases of contagion per million inhabitants against 4,132 in Italy and 20 deaths per million. In Europe, only Slovakia and Latvia have better data - it is clear from ANSA elaborations on WHO data updated to August 10. (ANSA).

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