Zakynthos Informer Zakynthos Informer
Related Articles
Mitsotakis: Unvaccinated citizens from Monday 22nd November will not be allowed in any closed areas apart from catering
The Prime Minister announced new restrictions for the unvaccinated citizens in his message for the treatment of the coronavirus pandemic, referring to a “pandemic of the unvaccinated”.
The Prime Minister’s message as is below:-
My fellow citizens,
I am contacting you again to present the real situation of the pandemic in our country. To share my thoughts on the outbreak of the fourth wave that is hitting the whole of Europe. But also to announce the decisions of the government on how we should move forward from now on.
The advent of the Delta mutation has unfortunately slowed the coronavirus epidemic worldwide. But everywhere, now, the vaccine gives victory to man and not to disease. To health and not to pain. In freedom and not in restrictions. Because where the vaccination goes, the virus goes away.
We see this happening in countries with higher rates of shielding than us, especially at older ages. In Portugal or Denmark, for example, the incidence may be rising, but there hospitals and ICUs are not full of patients. The losses are not great either.
Today, more than 7 million Greeks have chosen the vaccine. Three out of four adults. However, 575,000 fellow citizens over the age of 60 remain unprotected and we know that they are being hit hardest by the virus. While almost 1.5 million of the same group completed 6 months of their vaccination. Although protected, they become more vulnerable, as they have fewer antibodies.
Science, after all, warns us that over time our body’s defenses are depleted. Therefore, the booster dose of the vaccine becomes decisive. And it is this element that completes our main goal: all the older ones to make the first dose and all those who have already been vaccinated the third.
Hidden in these data is the truth about the pressure on the Health System: almost nine out of ten patients being treated, at the moment, in our ICUs are unvaccinated. And those who are seriously ill were either not vaccinated at all or did not strengthen their body’s defenses with the reminder dose.
So this is indeed a pandemic of the unvaccinated, since the vaccinated even if they get sick will have mild consequences. Consider that if we had the percentages of armored elderly people in Portugal – and in Greece, I remind you, Portugal is the second city with the most aged in Europe – intubation would be five times less.
Especially in Northern Greece, our doctors and nurses keep the health structures ready with superhuman efforts. That is why, along with my gratitude, I reiterate my commitment to stand by them. Recognizing that together, in the adventure, we build the new NSS that we all want.
I call once again for some to stop trying to reap temporary benefits by partisanship in human drama. Today we need a clearer mind and unity than ever before. Not instrumentalization of pain and bilingualism, but concrete and realistic proposals.
Greece mourns unnecessary losses because it simply does not have the vaccination rates of other European countries. And this despite the perfect campaign organized. Government and society, however, have signed a contract of honor together: not to be in lockdown, while the vaccine again can be used as a shield. And we must abide by the terms of this agreement.
Let us not forget that precisely because we did not reduce economic activity, the country achieved the third highest European growth performance. And the biggest reduction in unemployment, with the creation of 180,000 new jobs. And of course with our schools open and safe, with the many tests we do.
My fellow citizens,
All countries are constantly adjusting their stance according to the behavior of the virus, the local, demographic peculiarities, but also the balance between the adequacy of a measure and its ability to be implemented and delivered. We also follow this flexible policy in the Greek reality.
Already, our latest initiatives are paying off: more than 350,000 first vaccination appointments have been made in recent weeks. And half of those citizens who have already been vaccinated and have the opportunity to take the third dose have had it or have planned it.
This proves that encouragement has more power than general aphorisms about obligation. That is why I believe that even those who are still hesitant can change their minds by listening to what the vaccinated vaccinators say. Those who saw death in the loneliness of a bed in the Intensive Care Unit.
I am also optimistic that they will weigh things more calmly. And they will realize that if they are vaccinated themselves, their life will finally become much easier. Without additional restrictions and financial burdens, next to their people and comfortably in society.
This is exactly where the additional measures I am announcing today are aimed at:
First, from next Monday, all adult unvaccinated citizens, apart from catering, will not enter other closed rooms. Not even with a negative test. In cinemas, theaters, museums or gyms, for example. It is an immediate act of protection and, of course, an indirect urge to be vaccinated.
With regard to church services, I repeat that believers who have not been vaccinated should have a negative laboratory test. This, after all, is provided for in the circular of the Holy Synod, which is now called to be supervised by its bodies and, by sampling, by the State.
Secondly, the indoor entry certificate for vaccinated persons over 60 years of age ceases to be valid seven months – I repeat, seven months – from its issuance. That is, one month will be given for their vaccination with the 3rd dose after the end of the semester. This is because medical data show that, over time, the defense of the vaccine decreases.
Third, the rolling hours are extended to the public and private sectors. In order to avoid overcrowding, especially during arrival and departure times, but also the additional load at certain hours on public transport. Of course, with special provisions for employees with children at school.
Fourth, the controls will continue, even more intensively. There are no “stupid” and “smart” in a national battle. And everyone must enter it more decisively, taking their responsibilities: the state, the local government, the scientific bodies but also the individual professional associations.
And fifth, but of paramount importance, the National Health System is further strengthened. Private Intensive Care Units are already in use. The services of private doctors are also required in the areas of high pressure. Today, in fact, I signed the relevant provision. While recruitments are made in the position of unvaccinated health workers who remain in suspension.
With this plan we move forward to the next two months. To have a better Christmas this year than last year. Until then, continuous inspections, numerous tests and personal protection measures to stabilize and reduce cases. And first- and third-dose vaccinations, especially in those over 60, reduce hospitalizations and casualties.
Especially for the validity of the certificates, in fact, in my letter to the President of the European Commission I will suggest that the Digital European Certificate be valid only if it states the third installment after the semester. In order to avoid any crack in the wall of immunity that has already been built on our continent.
My fellow citizens,
As you can see, these are encouraging choices, not repressive ones. With a mood of persuasion and not confrontation that breeds divisions and social automation.
As I said, more than one wrong view hurts, and thus a wrong loss. That is why I continue to call on you to hear the voice of reality around us: the mourning for the pregnant woman and the young children we lost. The words of those who believed in lies and lived the horror of Intensive Care. But also the anxiety of our doctors.
I also call on you to turn your back on fear and on every charlatan who, for his own publicity and promotion, trades ignorance. Disobedience to the appeals of experts is not an act of “resistance” to the state, but a retreat of logic and the common interest. Surrendering to darkness and danger.
And I repeat: if all the elderly are vaccinated, the coronavirus will turn into a kind of seasonal flu. And if we all follow the rules of personal hygiene, then it may disappear. By the attitude of each of us at home, at work, in our socializing, by becoming the guardians of our own health.
This is exactly what I am asking you to do. Re-enacting the relationship of trust between the State and citizens, which brings wonderful results. Following the instructions of science and the state. And putting into practice the only motto that leads to optimistism the following day: Get vaccinated, get vaccinated, get vaccinated!
To get up-to-date news or more information about Zakynthos, join our Facebook group or follow our Twitterfeed. All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and The Zakynthos Informer. No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author.
source:- Thema.
