ATHENS – Even as many have shunned wearing masks and abandoned any precept of staying safe social distances apart, Greeks are worried about the lingering battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Curiously, that comes as the New Democracy government further pulled back an already lenient lockdown in a bid to lure tourists to help a battered economy driven down over the past 15 months.

As consumers, Greeks are less optimistic than those in other countries about being able to return to a near normal-life, said a survey by the auditing firm Ernst & Young although many already have, with beaches and malls full, people flocking to public gathering area and heading for islands and villages.

The poll found they are eager to go back to life the way it was before COVID-19 put a shroud over the world and saw people often confined to their homes, unable to be with their families, grandchildren and friends for months on end.

Greeks appeared better prepared for putting the pandemic behind them despite their fears how long it might take even as the government is accelerating a vaccination program called Eleftheria, for Freedom.

Some 59 percent said the pandemic will last another year found the survey conducted in collaboration with research company MRB on a sample of Greek consumers between April 9-15, reported Kathimerini.

The effects of the pandemic seem to be worrying Greeks more than consumers in other countries covered by the global survey,  concerns focusing mainly on its impact on the Greek economy , the ability to enjoy their lives freely, the effects on their financial situation and family health.

.