Greece is considering to make the use of masks mandatory also in other closed spaces, in addition to supermarkets. Government spokesman Stelios Petsas announced this on Monday morning. He said that epidemiologists has proposed the mandatory use of masks also in other shops and facilities as well as in churches.
Speaking about the course of the coronavirus in the country, Petsas said that the relaxation of the measures has led to an increase of cases and led to banning of local festivals and the mandatory use of masks in supermarkets.
He announced that in the coming days, if necessary, the use of a mask will become mandatory in more enclosed spaces.
“The increase of confirmed cases in urban centers, such as in Attica and Thessaloniki, reminds that the virus is still here and is fed by our relaxation.,” he said.
Infection cases in Attica and Thessaloniki increased to over 130 and over 70 respectively since the beginning of the month.
Epidemiologists have repeatedly stressed that they are concerned about the increase of the “unsourced” cases in urban centers. At the same time, they point out that tracking contacts’ of tourists is much easier as they have to fill up location forms prior to their arrival in the country.
Government spokesman Petsas stressed that Greece remains in “a much better epidemiological situation than many other countries and this is not accidental. It is a result of our strategy that has created a special algorithm, which helps us make decisions about how to distribute our targeted controls to the country’s gateways. Implementing effective case monitoring and tracking. Providing from specific strict, but functional, health protocols, to quarantine rooms, to avoid the spread of coronavirus in the community. All other countries do not do all this, neither in their extent nor in their entirety. We are – and we do what it takes to stay – a safe country, for residents and visitors.”
He recalled that epidemiological data in the Balkans forced Greece to tighten the entry conditions.
