In new measures against coronavirus, announced yesterday, mainly targeting unvaccinated citizens, without a new general lockdown, the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister, in the framework of a workshop on «Management of chronic diseases and promotion of screening after pandemic COVID-19», organised by the Parliament's Standing Committee on Social Affairs.
Mitsotakis explained, in particular, that the grid of measures announced yesterday by the Minister of Health, Thanos Plevris, is based on three principles.
First, he made it clear that: “The economy and society will not close again”.
Secondly, Mitsotakis stressed: “Vaccinated people will not lose the rights they have acquired.”.
And thirdly, he pointed out: “Those who are not yet shielded with the vaccine should be screened more with more tests to protect themselves and those around them.”
The prime minister even asked those who are thinking about it to get vaccinated tomorrow, “so that we stop mourning losses, to reduce the pressure in our hospitals and escape from this adventure.” He stressed that: “This is the only way we will build a people-centred and not a patient-centred health care system to prevent our fellow citizens from getting sick and prevent danger.”
Mitsotakis said that prevention is of particular importance today, as health structures are still being tested by the hospitalisations of patients with Covid.
“These health structures cannot become monolithic again, neglecting the needs of citizens, nor can the latter be constantly increasing with cases that would have been treated if they had been diagnosed in time,” he added.
The Prime Minister also stressed that vaccinations, especially for the elderly, should be intensified and insisted on rapid completion of the cycle of the reinforcing third tranche, recalling that the platform will open for over 18s on Friday. He encouraged those who have the right to do the third dose, admitting that it is easier for the state to focus on them and convince them than those who are still sceptical about the vaccine.
Mitsotakis also said that: “Today's event is unfortunately taking place in the shadow of the great loss of Fofi Gennimata and while the health crisis has turned into a pandemic that primarily affects the unvaccinated.” He stressed that the management of chronic diseases and preconventional screening is becoming urgent and referred to the a breast cancer screening programme named after Fofi Gennimata, under which women aged 50 to 69 will be digitally notified of their appointments at various health facilities. Free screening tests are also increased..
Mitsotakis stressed that many premature deaths could have been avoided, both by early diagnosis and by a healthier lifestyle. He referred to the ban on smoking in enclosed public places, and to a study he had read which showed the huge difference in life expectancy for those who practice healthy living. He noted that five are the critical parameters: More exercise. More exercise. Alcohol. Weight. Proper nutrition.
“The relevant programmes will have my full support, we will need political unanimity and the support of scientists in order for society to understand what a healthy lifestyle means,” the Prime Minister said.
