Athens takes more action against Covid-19 pandemic

The City of Athens and the Greek Health Ministry on Monday announced a series of additional measures aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus in Athens.

The actions also aim protect the 650,000 people that live in or visit the capital on a daily basis from Covid-19.

The new measures include:

• The conversion of eight 'Friendship Clubs' in the city to small testing centres for Covid-19, where targeted testing will be carried out based on existing protocols
• Provision of more rapid tests for the Athens municipality centres for the homeless and drug dependent
• More rapid testing by National Public Health Organisation teams in the areas of Athens with the highest number of recorded cases.
• Athens municipality teams will conduct daily streetwork to support and care for the homeless, assisted by nurses who will take more samples for testing and provide other health and welfare services
• The creation of two new temporary isolation facilities for drug-dependent persons and citizens that belong to vulnerable groups that test positive for the virus

The new measures were announced following a meeting between Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias, Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias, National Organization for Public Health (EODY) chief Panagiotis Arkoumaneas and Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

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