An escalation in the number of cases is expected in the coming days, according to Professor of Epidemiology Demosthenes Sarigiannis and Professor of Pulmonology Intensive Care, Theodoros Vassilakopoulos, which will lead to as many as 80 deaths per week.
In view of the resumption of classes in schools, experts urge parents to be careful and take precautionary measures. Also, in recent days, measures for the imminent outbreak of cases and consequently hospitalizations are also taken in hospitals. Two regional hospitals, Bodosakio in Ptolemaida and Hatzikosta in Ioannina, have announced that they are banning visiting hours until 15 January and imposing rapid tests on patients’ attendants. In addition, on Tuesday, it was announced that NIMTS will provide 50 inpatient beds and beds of increased care and intensive care to the NHS by the end of March, and is joining its on-call schedule.
D. Sarigiannis: «We will reach 8,800 cases per day»
The estimate that in the next few days we will reach 8,800 cases per day was made by Professor of Epidemiology, Demosthenes Sarigiannis, who, speaking to the SKY TV station, said that «at Christmas we were at 5,800 daily cases» and estimated that there will be an increase in the number of deaths, which already ranges at 50-60 patients per week.
The epidemiology professor pointed out that «when we have a high prevalence, we increase the chances of coming into contact with the virus. Therefore, in susceptible groups, the likelihood of critical illness increases.».
He added: «We expect increases in hospitalisations and deaths, around 78 to 80.».
As children will return to school on Monday, Demosthenes Sarigiannis said that it would be good for parents to «self-test their children to make sure they have a low viral load«. Regarding the use of a mask, he said that »it is useful, but I think it is a matter of personal assessment of each individual.«.
Θ. Vassilakopoulos: we need a new wall of immunity
The professor of Pulmonology Intensive Care of the University of Athens, Theodoros Vassilakopoulos, stressed that the number of people who die from coronavirus is already «terrible», reaching 50-60 people per week, noting that vaccinations should be increased.
He said that more people are vaccinated for influenza, from which we have lost 5 people, than for coronavirus, and that the number of vaccinated people should be 2 million instead of 130,000. He also pointed out that the sewage, which is a very safe indicator of what is going to happen in 10-15 days, shows that there is a very increased circulation of mainly coronavirus, which means an increase is coming in the next few weeks. And he expressed the hope that «enough people will get vaccinated and catch the bad stuff and we will slowly rebuild the wall of immunity needed to complete this wave until the next one comes, if it comes.».
He explained that the coronavirus «can go through bouts and flares for many years. When we are in an outbreak phase like now, we have to modify our behaviour.».
The Professor of Pulmonology pointed out that the people who are mainly at risk «are those who belong to the high-risk groups, i.e. the elderly and people suffering from diseases. So, if some people have to wear a mask for their own good, it is these people. The biggest problem is that unfortunately these people do not wear a mask either. The problem in health care facilities is that we who are healthy don't go and infect our vulnerable fellow human beings. We doctors, for example, inside hospitals, when we enter the wards, we always wear masks to protect our patients, while the relatives of those who are hospitalized do not do the same.».
Regarding the return of children to schools, Theodoros Vassilakopoulos said that «we have no reason to make our children wear masks again and reduce their sociability, because grandparents or grandmothers or some adults do not wear masks to protect themselves».
The nasal vaccine is coming
The professor of Pulmonology also reassured those who have reservations about the vaccine, saying that «it has been tested in billions of doses worldwide and in billions of people» and that «all the possible side effects are known, they are mild, and not long-term. I am vaccinated and my son is thirteen years old, he has already been vaccinated and tomorrow he will have his regular vaccination».
He added that the battle against coronavirus will be joined by an additional vaccine that will probably be in the form of a nasal spray to be used for nose and mouth, i.e. for upper respiratory protection. According to Theodoros Vassilakopoulos, the nasal vaccine will probably be approved for marketing by the end of the year and will be used in addition to the other vaccines.
Schools will open with protection measures from the EODY
In the next few hours will be issued by the EODY with the protective measures to be observed by students, teachers and parents, in view of the reopening of schools from Monday, announced the Deputy Minister of Health Irene Agapidaki.
At the same time, he called on all citizens to observe personal protection measures, such as the use of masks and regular hand washing.
Speaking on Thursday morning on ANT1 and the show «Good Morning Greece» Agapidaki and referring to the mini-reformation, she said that the changes were made for the benefit of the modernization policy of the government, stressing that there is an election plan, which serves all the executives.
With regard to the NHS, he said that there will be recruitment of doctors in the first half of 2024, and that the selection of new administrations in hospitals across the country is progressing.
Regarding the coronavirus and its spread, Irene Agapidaki said that there is increased pressure in the NHS due to the outbreak of influenza, while she noted that the aim is to monitor compliance with protective measures, especially in health structures and care of people from vulnerable groups.
Finally, he stressed that all indications are that coronavirus vaccination will now be carried out on an annual basis, like the flu vaccination.
