ATHENS — Government spokesperson Stelios Petsas began a press briefing on Friday by referring to the areas where the situation regarding the pandemic remains worrying.

The briefing was held to present the measures that will apply over the Christmas period, with Development and Investment Minister Adonis Georgiadis also participating.

Petsas explained that 83 pct of Greece's ICUs are currently occupied, with a 77 pct occupancy rate in Attica and 91 pct in Thessaloniki. "Unfortunately, the conclusion arising from an evaluation of the data is not satisfactory," he stressed. "The cases are not declining and the decongestion of ICUs is not happening to the extent that was expected. The responsibility for this lies with all of us. We cannot, therefore, resume economic and social activities in the way and at the time we would all like," he said.

"Despite the fact that five weeks have passed since the second lockdown was imposed, the epidemiological situation in the country remains difficult. Cases at a national level remain high. The highest numbers per 100,000 inhabitants are located in the prefectures of Pieria, Drama, Kilkis, Pella, Xanthi, Imathia, Thessaloniki, Larissa and Florina. The situation in West Attica is also worrying – based on the rolling average of seven days. At the same time, the situation in public hospitals, especially in ICUs, remains pressing," he added.