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STAY SAFE, the new motto.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed citizens for the gradual lifting of the measures in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. “We, as a society, have accepted the need to paralyze economic activity to save lives,” he said, noting that measures have been taken and new cases have been kept to a minimum. “More important, however, is the steady decline in patients with coronavirus in hospitals. As well as the decline of the number of our fellow citizens who are intubated in the Intensive Care Units “.
“We are preparing for the second phase of our plan. But beware: This is not the end of the adventure, but a sequel, “he said, adding that the exit from the quarantine will be made step by step as no one can rule out a possible resurgence of the threat.
The Prime Minister assured that the programme of the next phase is “fully studied” and can be scaled per week but will be evaluated every 24 hours, by a joint Government Observatory, Health and Civil Protection Observatory.
Mr. Mitsotakis briefly presented the timetable for lifting the measures.
More detail: –
On May 4 , the sending of SMS – completion of a written certificate for leaving the house is cancelled. However, restrictions on off-road travel will remain in place for at least another two weeks.
On the same day, some retail companies will open, such as bookstores, electronic and sports stores and KTEO.
Outdoor individual sports will be allowed both on land and at sea, but the organized beaches will remain closed for the time being. –
Finally, on May 4, churches will open, but only for individual worship
On May 11, the rest of the retail businesses will open, except for the shopping centres, and students of 3rd year higher school/Senior year will return to the classrooms.
In all cases, the rules for preventing large gatherings or congestion will apply
On May 17, the participation of the faithful to join in the Divine Liturgy and other services will be allowed, with strict rules that will be drawn up in collaboration with the Permanent Holy Synod.
On May 18 Schools will open for students in other secondary schools.
On June 1, the malls will reopen and catering businesses will open, with conditions remaining to be determined.
On the same day, the all year round hotels will open, while, as Mr. Mitsotakis said, the primary schools and kindergartens may be opened, if the epidemiological data allow it.
On that day, the services of Justice will operate again.
“Festivals and concerts are unlikely to be allowed at this stage.”
As Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, it is unlikely that large gatherings, such as festivals, concerts or sporting events with spectators, will be allowed during the summer. “The crisis will be deep” The Prime Minister warned that in the near future “difficulties are lurking, in Health but also in the Economy“, the prolonged “freezing” of which has a social sign, because at the same time it “freezes” the injustices, primarily affect the weakest. A gradual restart, therefore, is the duty of every responsible government. No one denies that, after the coronavirus, the crisis will be deep and global. ”
Detailed speech by Kyriakos Mitsotakis:
For months now, our homeland, but also the whole world, has been fighting a invisible and insidious enemy. We took unprecedented measures to limit its spread. We, as a society, have accepted the need to paralyze economic activity to save human lives. We stayed away from people we love to protect them. We did not go to our churches. We stayed home, following the advice of experts. We have shown, you have shown, unprecedented responsibility and solidarity. Thus, the individual attitude became a collective success. And the bonds between the State and the citizens were framed by reforms that once seemed distant or even impossible: Digital Public Administration that serves quickly, simply and easily. Work and Education from a distance. A better National Health System. And a Civil Protection that has proven that it can be by our side in every need. All of this was not a product of luck, but of hard work. The great successes are due to the many small heroes who respond to the call of responsibility. These heroes are each and every one of you.
Thank you for setting an example for our country around the world.
Today, we can safely say that the measures we have taken have paid off. The data cannot be disputed: For days now, new cases have been kept to a minimum. More important, however, is the steady decline in patients with coronarvirus in hospitals. As well as the decline in the number of our fellow citizens who are intubated in the Intensive Care Units.
I want to express my support to the families who lost their loved ones. Their pain is not alleviated by the fact that in Greece we had far fewer victims than in almost all European countries. As we have limited the first wave of the virus, we are now ready to move on to the second phase of our plan:
The gradual de-escalation of measures, as we are now more prepared than we were three months ago. We can do a lot more tests, so we can quickly identify possible new outbreaks of the virus. Civil Protection is further strengthened so that it can track contacts quickly and efficiently. Our hospitals have more medical and nursing staff. More and better equipment. Greater experience. Better organization.
However, we have two more allies: Good weather, which will allow us to spend more time outside.
Most importantly, sensitized and informed citizens who now know what to do and what not to do: We meticulously follow individual hygiene measures. We do not shake hands. We keep our distance. We take special care of our vulnerable fellow citizens. And we stay inside if we have a cough or fever, informing our doctor. We listen to the advice of experts on the protective mask. Using it may cover some of our features. It will, however, signal the serious face of our responsibility. All this must become second nature to us, because there is no return to the “pre-coronavirus reality”. We already live differently.
We are preparing for the second stage of our plan. But beware: This is not an epilogue to the adventure, but a sequel. I will say it again: The exit from the quarantine will be done step by step. No one can rule out a possible resurgence of the threat. Our goal will be to locate it quickly, so that any new restrictions are local and do not affect the whole territory.
Our plan for the next two months is extremely detailed and elaborate. But that’s what the word means: Plan. Therefore, it will be subject to revisions, depending on the developments and the instructions of the experts. Only the discipline of every citizen will be the one who will judge his success. Some authorities, however, remain non-negotiable.
My priority was and remains the life and health of Greeks. My choice is that every decision has the stamp of scientific knowledge. Whilst informing citizens that there should be absolute transparency, honesty and accountability. I trusted you and you trusted not only me, but also the Greek State. This is, after all, none other than our collective existence.
As we move into the second phase, these bonds of trust must be kept intact. May is not March. Back then, we had to defend our health and save lives by staying home. While now we are called to return methodically, gradually, to some of our familiar activities. Our new slogan, then, is “We Stay Safe.”
We leave the house, but we are always responsible.
My dear fellow citizens, following the suggestions of the Scientific Committee, I can today announce the axes of a “safety bridge” to the new everyday life:
From next Monday, May 4, the restrictions on the movement of citizens will be lifted. In other words, written permission and related SMS are removed. However, traffic restrictions outside our provinces will continue for at least two weeks. Individual sports will be allowed in the open and at sea . But organized beaches will still be closed.
Some types of stores and services will be open on the same day. Indicatively, I mention: Bookstores, electronic items, KTEO and sporting goods stores. Like hairdressers, but always by appointment. The rest of the retail will resume on Monday, May 11, except for shopping malls. These will open on June 1. In all stores, of course, terms will apply that will limit the density of visitors.
Strict measures will be taken to protect workers. Allow me, here, a reference to the Church: I thank the Archbishop and the clergy for our understanding and cooperation. The experience of this year’s Easter was not easy for any of us. It turned out, however, that it was necessary for everyone.
From May 4, the churches will be open for individual worship. From Sunday, May 17, the faithful will be able to participate in the Divine Liturgy and in the other services. However, always with strict rules that will be agreed with the Holy Synod and the scientific community. In Education, the lessons of the 3rd year Higher school will start again on May 11. A week later, the other classes of the Higher and High School will follow. Schools, however, will operate with other rules that will limit – as far as possible – co-ordination. Distance learning will continue to support children who, for special reasons, do not have to come to class. Primary and kindergartens remain closed. They may, I repeat, be open on June 1, and only if we are absolutely sure that the course of the epidemic is decreasing.
Tomorrow, the Minister of Education will make a more detailed briefing. It is in constant consultation with the Committee of Scientists for the best possible implementation of the protection measures for our children and teachers.
On June 1, the activity in the field of catering begins, always with conditions, which will have been agreed by then. On the same day, the 12-month all year round hotels will open. Then the second wave of Justice work will be activated. In June, finally, and depending on the developments, the rest of the economic activity will be gradually released. However, it is unlikely that large gatherings, such as festivals, concerts or sporting events with spectators, will be allowed during the summer.
As is clear, the program of the next phase is fully studied. It will be scaled per week but will be evaluated every 24 hours by a mixed Government Observatory, Health and Civil Protection Observatory. My fellow citizens, Detailed details of the transition plan will be announced shortly thereafter. Each Ministry, moreover, has elaborated individual business plans, because there will be adjustments within the whole State. For example, activities and online citizen service need to be expanded.
Hospitals should return to normal so that all current incidents can be covered more effectively. As well as the working hours of the employees to be changed in order to avoid overcrowding in workplaces but also whilst using means of transport. Finally, to make more transport available on routes at rush hour so that there is an ability to travel with fewer passengers.
The key, however, to success will again be our individual discipline. Responsibility. Confidence in the instructions of experts. The result we have achieved so far is great. However, it is still fragile. Going back to our lives and jobs is harder than staying home. That is why the more the restrictions are relaxed, the more the role of personal responsibility will increase. The slogan, “Stay Home” remains in force. We do not go out for unnecessary reason. We stay safe. Because the return to normalcy should not lead to recurrence, but a return, reasoned and calculated.
So far, an effective State has risen up against the pandemic, protecting Greeks, gaining their trust. And they, in turn, showed their best: They respected the instructions. “It simply came to our notice then. And they protected their health and the health of their neighbors. These deposits are a guarantee for tomorrow. Because they not only mobilized valuable features of our people, who remained inactive for years, but also because they offered a new quality to our democracy, which was injured by populism. Think about it, in the realm of politics, reservations and old suspicions have softened. Now, Greek women and men are listening to the representatives of the State, knowing that they will listen to them as well. In social life, the law was consciously observed, without fear of punishment. And the protagonists became silent people. However, with their actions, they became resounding examples for everyone. While everyone personally reconsidered, I think, their role in the whole. We were limited but not separated. I would say that we met again and mobilized. The coronavirus also taught us that friendship is not limited to one handshake. Not even caring for a hug. And that everything, in the end, can be expressed in new ways in an unprecedented state. Because, indeed, on May 4, we will all meet a new everyday life. And if we manage it maturely then, gradually, we will improve it to make it better and better.
Until science finds the right vaccine and effective treatment, the virus will live among us. Some people will only get sick. It is up to us to make it as small as possible and to provide them with the care they need. So, whoever closes the door of their house behind him, will open the door of responsibility at the same time. From patience, he will pass to perseverance. And from endurance, to attention. Because only then will the risk be reduced.
My fellow citizens, of course, in the coming time, difficulties are lurking, in Health but also in the Economy. The prolonged “freezing” of which has a social sign. And because at the same time it “freezes” the injustices, primarily affect the weakest. A gradual restart, therefore, is the duty of every responsible government. No one denies that, after the coronavirus, the crisis will be deep and global. And as the pandemic strikes everyone, everyone will have to bear the brunt of its consequences. But in a fair way and with allies the truth and realism. However, I will talk in detail about all this in Parliament soon. In the meantime, State and citizens must continue the war with the invisible enemy, who will wait to strike with the slightest complacency. That is why those in charge will not interrupt the daily information. And the State will be on permanent alert. A new optimism was born in the last test. A renewed national confidence. I am confident that our society will respond responsibly and seriously to the new challenge that lies ahead: A smooth, safe and gradual return to a more familiar pace of daily life. As we said: We return, but we are careful. Above all, we remain safe. It is up to us to do it. ”
source: https://www.lifo.gr
