Sun. Mitsotakis: Vaccination of over 30-year-olds begins in Holy Week

A road map for the liberalization of specific social and economic activities for the period immediately after Easter, as well as the maintenance of the restriction of long-distance travel in view of the Easter holiday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in his televised message on the development of the coronavirus pandemic in our country and the government's strategy of gradual liberalization of social and economic activities.

«I have said that our goal is a safe Easter and a free summer. But the former cannot undermine the latter. That's why we must not travel at Easter,’ he said, explaining that »Attica and the big cities still have, still, many CVID operators. Their mass movement carries the risk of spreading the virus everywhere. And, we know, that hospitalizations in the periphery are difficult. So, we need to think not only about our holidays, but also about the health of people in our villages and islands.«.

In addition, Mitsotakis presented the next steps of the gradual return to normality, emphasizing three milestones: «First, on Monday 3 May, outdoor dining reopens. And traffic is extended until 11 pm. 3. Distances at the tables. And the usual hygiene measures. Second, on May 10, high schools and elementary schools reopen. Here too, self-diagnostic tests for students, teachers and administrative staff will apply. As well as all other rules for protection in the classrooms. Thirdly, on Saturday 15 May, tourism opens. With requirements for visitors who have been vaccinated as well as those who will have to travel with tests. On May 15, also, intercity travel is liberalized for all citizens, and certain cultural activities will be allowed.».

Kyriakos Mitsotakis then appealed again to all citizens and especially the most vulnerable to hurry to get vaccinated: «I will call on you, then, once again, I will beg you to shield your health with this great gift of science. The danger does not lurk in the vaccine. But in sickness and pain. And the numbers show that you are more likely to have an accident on the road than a problem from vaccination.».

The Prime Minister revealed that from Holy Week, another vaccination line for citizens over 30 years of age will be activated, with the aim, as he said, to build the wall of immunity faster across the country.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in his televised message:

«We are in the last and most sensitive phase of the war against coronavirus. I know there is a lot of fatigue. But there are new allies beside us: Vaccinations, self-tests and better weather make us optimistic that this unprecedented adventure is coming to an end.

So, since time is with us, we need visibility and perspective. A clear, «road map» for the next period. That is what I will talk to you about today.

The pandemic in our country seems to be stabilising, albeit at high levels of cases. The Health System, thanks to the sacrifice of our doctors and nurses, is responding to the pressure. And the policy of gradual and controlled lifting of restrictions is paying off. Because, albeit slowly, the positivity index is receding.

Most importantly, the vaccines are effective and the immune wall is building rapidly. It is, unfortunately, a fact that the vast majority of those who are intubated are now unvaccinated fellow citizens.

I have said that our goal is a safe Easter and a free summer. But the former cannot undermine the latter. That is why we must not travel at Easter. Attica and the big cities have, still, many COVID operators. Their mass movement carries the risk of spreading the virus everywhere. And, we know, that hospitalizations in the periphery are difficult. So, we need to think not only about our holidays, but also about the health of the people in our villages and islands.

I know that this may displease some people. But it is the only option that combines the reservations of doctors and the needs of society and the economy. And, of course, the only one that will allow us, immediately after Easter, to move towards greater liberalisation of activities.

Provided, therefore, that we do not face a new upsurge, we can follow a three-step timetable:

First, on Monday 3 May the outdoor dining area reopens. And traffic is extended until 11 pm. With mandatory self-tests for employees. Distances to table seating. And the usual hygiene measures.

Secondly, on 10 May, secondary and primary schools reopen. Here too, self-diagnostic tests for pupils, teachers and administrative staff will apply. As well as all other rules for protection in the classrooms.

Third, on Saturday 15 May, Tourism opens. With specifications for visitors who have been vaccinated, as well as for those who will have to travel with a test. On May 15, also, intercity travel is liberalized for all citizens. While certain cultural activities will also be allowed.

We must tread this road carefully and together. Because the data breed optimism. But they also require discipline.

With the prospect of lifting the restrictions, anyone who is tired no longer has the alibi to be arbitrary. And those who recklessly congregate in squares should finally stop. Though few in comparison to the millions of the prudent, they may harm many. Themselves and those around them.

I come back, however, to the most critical issue: vaccinations. Despite their excellent organisation, we are not yet at the rates we would like, especially among the most vulnerable. Yet the safety and effectiveness of vaccines are being demonstrated every day. It is a tragedy that people are losing their lives, when with the vaccine they would have been saved.

So I would invite you, once again, I would urge you, once again, to shield your health with this great gift of science. The danger does not lurk in the vaccine. But in sickness and pain. And the numbers show that you're more likely to have an accident on the road than a vaccine problem.

In fact, from Holy Week, a new vaccination line for our fellow citizens over 30 years of age will be launched, with a rapid procedure. The aim is to spread the wall of immunity in the country even faster. While the distribution of self-tests is already being tripled throughout the country. The Minister of Health will shortly make more detailed announcements.

All this brings us even closer to a summer of greater freedom and prosperity. So let us believe in ourselves. And let us welcome it safely, united and optimistic.».