It's time for young people to get vaccinated As it appears, following the announcements by the Minister of Health, Vasilis Kikilias, who said that the platform will open on Holy Tuesday so people can schedule appointments people aged 30 to 39, so that they can be vaccinated in the coming days with the Astra Zeneca, the Ministry of Health has decided to distribute its stockpiles to younger citizens, as has been done in other countries.
«One day they'll sign up, and the next day they'll start getting vaccinated,», Vasilis Kikilias emphasized this point and also announced that, in addition to the existing vaccination centers, if necessary, the vaccine will be available next month at private medical centers, diagnostic centers, clinics, and treatment facilities.
The health minister spoke of 2.5 million vaccinations in May and 4 million vaccinations in June and added that vaccination «is the only solution and remains the most effective way to combat the pandemic.» He once again urged citizens to get vaccinated, compared to the infinitesimally small number of possible adverse effects, emphasizing that it is now evident not only in other countries but also in our own that The benefits of vaccination are extremely important as well as The majority of older people currently in ICUs, he said, are those who had not been vaccinated. Regarding vaccine safety, he called on all of us to trust the experts and the relevant organizations. He also announced that, Vaccination efforts are being expanded, and the hours during which vaccinations will be administered are being extended. Specifically, he said that «vaccinations will continue into the early evening hours and on weekends as well.».
The health minister, responding to a question about why vaccinations are being suspended over Easter, said that Vaccinations will take place as usual on May Day, a public holiday. and that the three-day pause will not affect the vaccination program as a whole, emphasizing that the people working at the vaccination centers have not stopped for even a moment over the past several months in their support of Operation «Freedom.» «Since November 3, and for six months now, these people—as well as all healthcare workers in hospitals—have been working without a day off. So let’s think about that and get vaccinated,» he said emphatically.
Referring to the epidemiological data, he emphasized that The number of hospital admissions appears to be stabilizing, with a slight downward trend. «We are in the most critical phase of this pandemic,» he said, “and we need to remain especially vigilant for another 20 days.”. There are currently 1,542 ICU beds in operation nationwide, of which 981 are for COVID-19 patients and 561 are for non-COVID-19 patients.
Speaking about the doctors who have been called up, he emphasized that the system needs them for at least another 20 days and added that, If necessary, the Ministry of Health will compile a new list of private physicians who will join the public health system.
The Minister of Health, referring to the recommendations of infectious disease specialists, said that they recommended a limit of one person per 25 square meters in churches and, in outdoor areas, maintaining a distance of 10 meters per person. They also recommended the use of double masks both inside and outside places of worship. The Procession of the Epitaph It will take place only in the courtyards of the churches, and worship will be held only outdoors. The Committee also requested that the curfew begin at 10 p.m. on Holy Week and at 9 p.m. on Easter Sunday. On May 3, the curfew will take effect at 11:00 p.m. He also recommended mandatory testing for priests and everyone inside churches.
At the Easter table, up to 12 people will be allowed to gather in open spaces, provided all safety measures are followed. In general, members of two families—up to 9 people—may gather indoors, and it is recommended that they have taken an individual test beforehand.
In-person classes at preschools, elementary schools, and middle schools will resume on May 10, with measures similar to those in place for high schools.
In addition, it is proposed that dining services resume on May 3, subject to compliance with health and safety measures and mandatory twice-weekly individual testing for all staff.
Finally, when asked about the reopening of the tourism sector and whether tourists will be able to travel to different regional units within the country, the Minister of Health emphasized that this is a pilot program and that visitors will not be able to travel within the country; in other words, the same rules will apply to them as to residents of Greece.
