The number of people admitted to hospitals with confirmed Covid-19 has almost doubled since the end of May, epidemiology professor and member of the National Public Health Organisation scientific committee Gkikas Magiorkinis said on Saturday.
He warned of the new variation of the virus, FLiRT, is highly transmissible in open spaces and vaccination does not offer 100% protection against it.
Speaking to state-run news agency Amna FM, Magiorkinis pointed out that this development has reversed the trend seen during the same period in 2023.
He noted that this rise in numbers had come four to five weeks later during the summer of 2023, indicating that circulation of the virus might continue to rise, while pointing out that it was too soon to draw any firm conclusions.
“We do not, however, expect anything dramatic that will put pressure on the health system,” he added.
EODY Weekly Report June 17-23, 2024
✓ Positivity in all tested samples showed an increase compared to the previous week.
✓ The number of new admissions was 487. The average weekly number of new admissions during the previous four weeks was 218 and the number of admissions in the corresponding week of 2023 was 211.
✓ The number of new intubations was four. The average weekly number of new intubations during previous four weeks were three and the number of intubations in the corresponding week of 2023 was six. The number of intubated patients with COVID-19 infection is seven.
✓ The number of deaths was 18. The average weekly number of deaths in the previous four weeks was six and the number of deaths in the corresponding week of 2023 was 20.
✓ The most frequent sub-variant of BA.2.86 remains JN.1, while strains of BA.2.86 with the mutations F456L and R346T (new class of variant strains under monitoring since 4/6) were detected from week 13/2024.
✓ The surveillance of the viral load has showed an increase in 10 regions that were tested.
No 100% vaccination protection for FliRT strains
Magiorkinis noted that existence of new FLiRT strains of the Covid-19 virus that are more easily transmitted in outdoor areas, adding that those with greater vulnerability should take precautions in crowded areas, test when they develop symptoms and promptly seek treatment with antiviral medication.
He said that Covid-19 remained the most significant infection that exists at this time and those in vulnerable groups, including persons aged over 60-65, are advised to get an annual booster shot, in some cases even two. For those without health problems who are under 60 there is no recommendation to get a booster shot, he added.
Familiarity breeds contempt !
Masks can be viewed as a negative for tourism in some circles … worse for us that live in Athens but more inviting for a quick visiting tourist.