Regarding «highly effective weapons in the arsenal of the Public Health», said the Panagiotis Prezerakos, Secretary General of Public Health, during the Health Minister's regular briefing on the progress of the pandemic.
After recommending «Please be patient just a little longer», advised the public to «continue doing what they have been doing so far (social distancing, hand hygiene, masks)« and pointed out that the upcoming vaccinations »offer a light at the end of the tunnel.”.
The Greeks have succeeded
A comparison with other countries in terms of the number of cases and deaths shows that the Greeks «have managed to pull through, despite the difficulties,» stressed Mr. Prezerakos, who appealed to citizens «to turn a deaf ear to misinformation.».
He clarified that by the term «public health» we mean the totality of all actions and interventions carried out under the responsibility of the state, “in order to prevent disease and to protect and promote the health of citizens.” He also said, According to 40%, the strongest factor affecting citizens' health is individual behavior.
Referring to the actions taken since the outbreak of the pandemic, Mr. Prezerakos highlighted the advisory role of the 31 experts and the committee’s support in the decision-making process.
Increase in inspections
Regarding the tests, the Secretary General of Public Health noted that the entire Audit strategy is being upgraded, also tracing their upward trajectory—from 200 tests at the start of the crisis, which «reached 27,500 per day within a few months,» as he pointed out. He also said that it has become clear that The more tests that are done, the better, emphasizing that «we are already addressing this issue and are constantly improving it by increasing the number of inspections.».
Mr. Prezerakos also referred to the rapid tests, noting that Greece is among the countries with the strictest standards regarding rapid tests. He noted that the use of rapid tests was thoroughly evaluated, and this, as he said, means that scientists initially recommended that positive test results be confirmed with molecular testing; subsequently, once the reliability of the results became apparent, they decided that molecular testing was not necessary.
«These constant changes have resulted in a slight decrease in the number of tests. Nevertheless, the number has already begun to rise, and a decrease is observed on the weekend, which is to be expected.».
Regarding the ordering of tests, he said that scientists have established the criteria for when someone should be tested, and the government has ensured that all such cases are covered under the 100% program. However, he added, if a citizen decides they want to get tested more often, that is their own decision, and that option is also available. «So, then Prescribing through EOPYY wouldn't help anyone »and we may also be criticized as a nation for failing to meet the demands identified by the committee of scientists.".
