There is concern in the scientific community that despite the gradual de-escalation in hospitalization and cases after the large spread of the virus caused by Omicron variant in the community in the past, the “Hard indicators” of pandemic remain high.
It is indicative that on Tuesday, the number of deaths was again in the triple digits, as EODY announced that 108 deaths and 22,889 new infections were recorded. The reduction in deaths expected by experts from last week, unfortunately, is still not visible.
In this context, the discussion has begun regarding what is born with them Halloween celebrations, as in less than a month, March 7, is Shrove Monday. In this light, the holding of carnivals and carnival events is expected to be at the center of the discussions of the Committee of Experts in the coming days, as stated by the Minister of Health, Thanos Plevris.
Some experts, however, express the belief that Halloween and carnivals must be sacrificed in order for the citizens to celebrate Easter in their village. On the opposite bank, some other scientists point out that with a few but targeted measures it is possible to carry out the carnival events emphasizing the need to use a mask, as well as to avoid overcrowding.
In this regard, the professor of Microbiology at the University of West Attica Mr. Alkiviadis Vatopoulos, speaking to SKAI, did not appear very optimistic about whether there will be Halloween and carnival events this year, stating that “a carnival will obviously cause people. “Crowding will bring cases, they will bring disease and therefore serious incidents.” In addition, he stressed the fact that there is a political decision across Europe to end the restrictions as much as possible, but this, he said, poses a health risk.
In the meantime, the viral load during the first week of February was increased in some cities which, in fact, every year at such a time, prepare feverishly for the carnival events. Which, of course, is a concern for both the experts and the local communities that rely heavily on these events, as in some cases a large part of their population lives on them.
In particular, an increase in the viral load in wastewater was recorded by the following cities:
Patras: In the last week, 31 / 01-06 / 02/22, in Patras, the average weekly viral load of urban wastewater showed a significant increase (+ 177%) compared to the previous week, 24-30 / 01/22. The weekly average of the viral load is high.
It is noted that the fluctuations observed in recent weeks in the trend of viral load in the urban wastewater of the city with consistently high levels of it show both the high spread of the virus in the community and the instability of climatic conditions that significantly affect the burden of wastewater.
Blonde: In the last week, 31 / 01-06 / 02 // 22, in Xanthi, the average weekly viral load of urban wastewater remained essentially stable (+ 7%) compared to the week 24-30 / 01/22.
Larissa: In the last week, 31 / 01-06 / 02/22, the average weekly viral load of urban wastewater in Larissa remained virtually stable (+ 8%) compared to the week 24-30 / 01/22.
Rethimno: In the last week, 31 / 01-06 / 02/22, the weekly average value of the viral load of urban wastewater in Rethymno showed a small increase (+ 31%) compared to the previous week, 24-30 / 01/22.
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