As Greeks prepare for a full nationwide lockdown, imposed by the government to stem the worrying increase in Covid-19 infections, a new triple record was recorded today.
Health officials announced 2,917 new positive infections, 29 deaths and 187 afflicted patients that are currently intubated in intensive care units— the highest daily numbers since the beginning of the pandemic in March.
Thursday’s numbers, called a “black triple record” by Greek media, shattered the previous black triple record which was only 24 hours prior when 2,646 cases, 18 deaths and 179 intubated ICU patients were reported.
These skyrocketing numbers have led the government to impose the harshest possible restrictions, which include the restriction of movement of Greek citizens for three weeks.
During an hour-plus long press conference, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told the nation that his measures may seem premature, given that Greece’s numbers are amongst the lowest in Europe, but he said “We must stop this wave. I chose once again to take drastic measures sooner rather than later.”
Mitsotakis said that he acted before infection rates reached the levels of neighboring countries because, after years of financial crises that have damaged the health system, Greece couldn’t afford to wait.
“It could be the case that the measures would have worked, but if they didn’t, then in 15 days the pressure that would have been exerted on the health system would be unbearable,” he said. “That is something that, I will say it again, I can in no way allow.”
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