Greece coronavirus cases surpass 4,000

Greece reported 24 new coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour reporting period, of which 18 are from incoming travellers.

In more detail:

• 16 were identified after checks at the country’s entrance gates
• 2 other imported cases (who voluntarily got tested after showing symptoms)
• 2 cases in Attica
• 2 cases in Thessaloniki
• 1 case in Magnesia
• 1 case in Halkidiki

This raises the total number of cases to 4,007, of which 54.7% are men.

Of the total cases, 1,106 (27.6%) are linked to travel abroad and 2048 (51.1 %) are linked to other known cases.

The number of fatalities currently stands at 194. The average age of the patients that died of Covid-19 was 76 and the number of patients being treated in intensive care on Sunday was 13 (92.3 % men).

Greek scientists are increasingly concerned by the “orphan” domestic incidents of Covid-19, combined with the increase in imported cases and a “relaxation” in personal protective measures, infectious diseases expert Dr. Panagiotis Gargalianos stated during an interview with the ANA.

“We are at the point where there starts to be great concern over domestic ‘orphan’ cases. The next two weeks will be decisive for us to see what will happen in August,” Gargalianos said, urging people to step up personal protection, wear face masks and avoid large gatherings.

He emphasised the need to inform the public and ensure the messages were understood, in order to stay safe and reduce the spread of the disease. “We want Greeks to understand that we don’t want and that there will not be a lockdown. We want logic to prevail, however, so that we avoid crowding. We didn’t say people mustn’t go out and have fun but there must be a degree of care and caution. We cannot ignore the advice to wear masks and leave it dangling or leave our nose uncovered,” he said.

It is recalled, wearing masks or other face coverings is now compulsory again for supermarket employees and customers as of Saturday (July 18).