Case numbers have been falling in recent days as they appear to be stabilizing below 20,000, with “hard indicators” remaining high, however. On Friday, according to EODY, 17,656 were identified new infectionsthe number of deaths rose to 92, while the number of intubated reached 512.
Scientists, however, express the belief that we are in gradual de-escalationwhich allows the gradual lifting of restrictive measures against him coronavirus.
During the briefing on the course of the coronavirus on Thursday, the tone was given by the professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and member of the Committee of Experts, Vana Papaevangelou, who pointed out that the phasing out of the measures is feasibledespite the fact that the epidemiological burden remains high.
At the same time, the professor of intensive care Theodoros Vasilakopoulos, speaking on SKAI and on the show “Simera” estimated that the epidemiological data show the easing of the pandemic wave near Easter: “With one million cases since the beginning of the year, 5 million triple vaccinated and a large percentage of those vaccinated with two doses that will make the third dose and those who get sick from now on, we will reach a point where around Easter this wave will be significantly relieved as the largest percentage of the Greek population will have immune coverage. All this, except for the unexpected and the appearance of a new mutation “.
Some measures, he clarified, will not be completely lifted, such as the use of a mask in MMM during rush hour.
He also stressed that it would not be healthy to lift the measures for the unvaccinated, he said, if the percentage of vaccination coverage reaches 90-95% so they will not be threatened by the virus.
After all, as of Monday, as announced by the Ministry of Health, there is no limit to the number of people sitting at a table in catering and entertainment.
European countries are taking action
In the meantime, one European country after another is lifting restrictive measures against the coronavirus with the Italy to take a step towards a gradual return to normalcy in the fight against the coronavirus on Friday, ending the mandatory use of a mask outdoors and the reopening of discos.
The use of a mask indoors remains mandatory for the time being and at least until March 31st.
As far as discos are concerned, they reopen, but with some restrictions. That is, in order to enter them, one must have a health pass, which means that a negative test is not enough, while the capacity is limited to 75% of the normal for nightclubs and 50% for those that operate indoors.
THE Czech republic became the last country to relax the restrictive measures, as announced last week. Most of the restrictions in the country will be lifted by March 1, depending on the evolution of the pandemic in the country, said Prime Minister Petr Fiala. From Friday, however, citizens are not required to show Covid certification to have access to restaurants, cafes, bars, hairdressers, sports and cultural events, while from February 19 up to 5,000 spectators will be able to watch seated concerts and games.
In Sweden, the government, despite the warnings of scientists – proceeded as early as Wednesday, to lift almost all restrictive measures, as the pandemic entered a “new phase” with the dominance of the highly contagious but obviously less serious variant Omicron of the coronavirus. Thus, bars and restaurants no longer need to roll down at 23:00 local time, the obligation of vaccination certificates for access to public places is lifted, as well as the recommendation to use a mask on public transport.
THE Sanchez governmentas he announced earlier on Thursday, proceeded to end the obligation of the Spaniards to wear a protective mask outdoors, with the pandemic indices high, but in a steadily declining course.
From Friday, citizens can walk on the streets without masks, as well as students in their schoolyards, but the masks remain mandatory at mass events with standing indoors, as well as the safety distances of 1.5 m for the seated (eg in stadiums).
The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, decided to end all restrictive measures to halt the pandemic within February, including mask use and quarantine for Covid-19-positives.
In fact, Johnson said he would announce the full plan to lift the restrictions on February 21, but added that if the trend continued, the restrictions could be lifted in England four weeks earlier than originally planned.
THE Denmark became the first country in the European Union to lift almost all of the restrictive measures. The same policy was followed by Norwaywith Prime Minister Jonas Gar Stere stating that society must learn to “live” with the coronavirus.
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