Mitsotakis' message to citizens about the pandemic

My fellow citizens,

I was just briefed on the recommendation from our committee of experts. I wanted to personally announce the decision regarding the new measures and explain the reasons that led us to them.

It has been almost a year since the outbreak of the pandemic. And Greece, along with a handful of countries in northern Europe, has so far been effectively resisting the third wave of the coronavirus. This is confirmed by official European data, which ranks the country 23rd in terms of deaths among the 27 member states. But this is also confirmed by the composite indicators monitored by our own Scientific Committee.

We know, however, that coronavirus outbreaks can occur suddenly and spread at an exponential rate. Like a fire that spreads quickly and devastatingly. Look at what happened in Portugal. That is why, in the face of such a dynamic phenomenon, we have opted for regular reviews and flexible adjustments to our measures, based on the actual situation. By selecting targeted measures with quick reflexes.

However, we must also take into account the accumulated pressure from the restrictions and the need we all have to get back to our normal routines. After all, it was a huge relief for the market and society to remain open for two weeks and closed for two, rather than being shut down for four weeks. The goal is to always stay one step ahead of the virus. And this strategy proved effective during the last «lockdown» in January.

Today, however, the the risk reemerges. Not in the form of thousands of people falling ill and dying, as in other European countries. But in the form of two facts that are of particular concern to us. First, the increase in hospitalizations in Attica where healthcare facilities are gradually filling up. And, on the other hand, the virus mutations which appear to increase its transmissibility. We could wait a few more days, but the warning bell is ringing loud and clear and we have learned to act in a way that prevents problems rather than reacting to them, in order to save lives. Because healthy Greeks are a prerequisite for Greece’s progress.

All of us who must now defend ourselves against the virus’s final assault before vaccination achieves a definitive victory. Because it is certain that tomorrow we will regain the ground we’ve lost if we overcome the final obstacles today without suffering any losses. We know that starting in April, things will be much better. But right now, we must stay one step ahead of the danger!

In light of the new information, therefore, I am taking responsibility for implementing additional measures to protect public health. Thus, Starting the day after tomorrow, Thursday, and through February 28, stricter restrictions will be in place in Attica. This means that all retail businesses will be closed, and from now on, all levels of education will operate remotely.. Except for special education, which will continue in person. The new measures will be further detailed tomorrow by the relevant authorities.

My fellow citizens, our experience from the first wave of the pandemic—as well as from the lockdown following the Christmas holidays—shows that the sooner restrictions are implemented, the sooner they are lifted. And the more drastic these restrictions are, the greater their impact. This is the reason behind my decisions today: To curb the COVID-19 surge before it spreads, by reducing overall mobility. And to give the healthcare system time, as vaccinations move forward quickly.

I know what all this means for the economy. For the shopkeeper who keeps his store closed and the professional who puts his work on hold. For the employed, but also for the unemployed. I will say it again, however: there is no economy without health. Nor are there good customers without healthy citizens. After all, a two-week effort now could bring about the full reopening of the market sooner. And for as long as the crisis lasts, the government will continue to support households and businesses.

As he is already planning with the elimination of business rent which will remain closed in March as well as in extension of the reduced VAT rate on specific goods. With the 6th and 7th refundable advance payments and the funded work suspension. But also with the an extension of unemployment benefits and a suspension of debts owed to the government and social security funds.

I am well aware, however, of the anxiety felt by society. I can feel the exhaustion that has built up over many months. The frustration. Especially for our students who are being cut off from their natural environment—school. I have a child in school myself, so I know. I completely understand the public’s reaction: «Are you going to shut us down again?» they ask me every so often. «It’s not many people who are «shutting us down,» but just one,» I reply. And that is the coronavirus, which we must defeat.

Drawing strength from what we have achieved and faith from what we can achieve. Because whatever sacrifices we are called upon to make now, it is up to us to ensure they are the last. In any collective effort, there are mistakes, confusion, and oversights.

However, we must not lose sight of the big picture. Today, I am more convinced than ever that The epilogue to this unprecedented adventure has begun to take shape. My fellow citizens, I call on you once again to remain united and to respond with maturity to what life itself demands of us: to protect ourselves and our loved ones. All the more so, since The sun of the vaccine now illuminates the next day. Vaccinations in the country will soon reach 500,000. We are among the leaders in Europe in terms of vaccination rates. While the second dose is being administered to older adults and healthcare workers, other groups of citizens will also begin receiving their vaccinations soon. And vaccine deliveries will increase rapidly in the coming period.

I won't hide: Over the next two months, the range of restrictions may be expanded or scaled back depending on the alert levels. It’s up to us what happens each time. But this is also the final stretch toward freedom. The government has a plan to ensure that, by the end of spring, the most vulnerable Greeks will be protected. The goal is to be in our prime and strong when that moment arrives. And a major step on this path of hope is for the measures that will take effect the day after tomorrow to succeed. We will adhere to them, and we will prevail!