ATHENS – TThe number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Greece has risen to 31, infectious diseases expert and health ministry spokesperson Prof. Sotiris Tsiodras announced on Thursday.

Tsiodras said the 21 new cases that tested positive were detected among a group of 24 tourists that had visited Israel with the ninth diagnosed case, of which three were in serious condition and suffering from pneumonia and six were in relatively good condition.

Warning against a “panic epidemic”, Tsiodras nevertheless stressed the need to strictly adhere to hygiene rules, noting that there was a high risk of the virus spreading through travellers. He said that the disease was almost certainly underdiagnosed, and that it will continue to spread, adding that laboratory tests will be confined to serious cases as the number of incidents rises.

“It is not more deadly than other [viruses] but it is spread more easily, even by people with mild symptoms. We expect a significant increase in cases in our country also. According to mathematical models and taking the weather into account, we estimate that 5 pct of the population could get sick this year and up to 10-15 pct of the population next winter,” he added.

On the ninth case and the other members of the group visiting Israel, he said that authorities had traced more than 400 of their contacts.

“Israel was one of the countries with few cases. The group returned on February 27 and this shows the virus’s potential to cross borders,” adding that the hospitals that treated the cases had observe the protocol “but the virus can pass right under our noses”.

He once again repeated that anyone with symptoms such as a fever or a cough should stay home to protect the elderly and those with chronic ailments.
Suspected case of coronavirus in Rethymno; University closing for three days

A suspected case of coronavirus in a university student is being examined in Rethymno, Crete. The University of Rethymno rectorate has decided to suspend the operation of the university as a precaution for the next three days.

The student is in good condition and is being treated in an isolation unit at the Rethymno hospital, while the results of a blood sample to test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus are expected in the afternoon.

There is no reason to panic, Kikilias says

Individual liability behaviours that do not comply with scientists directions may become fatal for our fellow citizens belonging to vulnerable groups, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Thursday during his visit to “Gennimatas” public hospital.

Kikilias once again urged citizens to abide by and trust the instructions and rules of the experts. There is no reason to panic but this does not mean we should be complacent, the health minister stressed.

Public gatherings at three Greek prefectures banned for 48 hours over coronavirus concerns

Schools, theaters and archaeological sites in the prefectures of Achaia, Ilia and Zakynthos will shut down for 48 hours, from March 5 through March 6, Health Ministry authorities said on Wednesday night.

Following the new cases of coronavirus in Greece confirmed and hospitalized, infectious disease specialist Sotiris Tsiodras announced on behalf of the ministry that the measures banned large gatherings of people, including at public and private schools of all levels, theaters, sports and art events, archaeological sites and museums.

The measures were recommended by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, and would be re-evaluated within the next two days.

Tsiodras reiterated the importance of the public’s awareness of basic protection tips and said the measures are meant “to limit to the extent possible the spread of the virus in our country and delay its spread.”