ATHENS – A decision by the New Democracy government not to add more health protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19 because people are weary of them has seen cases continue to soar, another 436 on Oct. 14, bringing the total to 23,495, with seven deaths bringing that grim toll to 469.

The figures came from the The National Organization of Public Health (EODY) which said 31 were brought in by tourists who are tested but somehow developed an infection.

 The median age of those who died was 79, the elderly and those with multiple or underlying health conditions most susceptible although cases were showing up more in young people who have defied measures such as wearing masks and not staying safe distances as they party, even in public squares.

Essentially admitting it can't get everyone to comply with health measures aimed at preventing the surging spread of COVID-19, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' government had scrapped plans to impose more.

Government spokesman Stelios Petsas explained there are “too many” already, with defiance of wearing masks and social distancing ongoing.

Speaking to broadcaster SKAI, Petsas said no more measures are coming for now even as cases and deaths keep rising, Mitsotakis has been reluctant to impose another lockdown as he did in March.

“Burdening continuously the population with (new) measures and not focusing on their faithful observance will be problematic and possibly backfire,” he said.

Petsas said while Greece is in a second wave that it's not near a danger point, except for those infected or dead.

He admitted “there is a pressure in Attica,” but the Health Ministry is increasing the number of Intensive Care Units (ICU's) after the Diaspora and some benefactors, absent shipping oligarchs, helped provide more.