G. Economou for schools: If necessary, there will be changes in the protocols

“It is perfectly understandable the fatigue for the pandemic, which lasts for two years, which has created an anger in citizens, for different things. Another is angry because vaccination is not mandatory for everyone, another because measures are taken to focus, another because he all three doses of the vaccine are still not “free”. It’s perfectly normal. “There is no decision to make that is pleasant after two years”, said Giannis Oikonomou, speaking to ANT1.

Regarding the acceleration of the implementation of measures, which have entered into force today, the Government Spokesman stated that “when the data changes in such a dynamic way, you have to quickly change your strategy. It does not change what we have done so far, we had the strategy of Strict measures in conjunction with the operation of the stores at Christmas, hoping that the same will apply on New Year’s Eve.As we are a little behind what is happening in other countries, we “saved” Christmas and “The dynamics of the pandemic brought earlier the measures that would have been taken in a few days anyway. It is a delicate balance.”

Mr. Oikonomou also said that “since April, 83 million self-tests have been distributed free of charge to more than 7 million citizens. I am not saying that they are 100% reliable, but they have identified many cases, especially in schools where cases of children “After a molecular test. This has helped us identify a lot of cases.”

Regarding what members of the Commission have publicly stated and what the Government has finally decided on pandemic measures, the Government Spokesman stressed that “what matters is what the minutes of the Committee of Experts write, which lead to specific suggestions and proposals for measures. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have not undermined the work of the Committee of Experts and the measures always follow the recommendations of the experts.”

For the measures in the stadiums

“We are talking about measures that will apply for a limited period of time. I understand that football is a way out and it is also a blow, especially for anyone who has a season ticket, I also have a season ticket for my favorite team, I have had the same seat for years In the past, we all watched excerpts on TV, we noticed that it was not possible for the teams to monitor all the fans wearing masks on the stands. “to be deprived of some exits and exits, this will also pass”, the Government Spokesman answered a question about the measures concerning the stadiums.

For the masks

Regarding the masks and the recommendations of the experts for the use of enhanced protection mask, Mr. Oikonomou clarified that “scientists tell us that we always have the choice of the double mask – produced in Greece and sold at a low price – and offers the “The same protection as the mask of increased protection. Cases of speculation in mask prices have been identified and severe penalties are expected for those who tried to take advantage of an emergency, social crisis.”

For schools

“We and the scientists monitor the data of the mutation on a daily basis. We will use whatever tool we have in our hands, very strict tests to be sure when returning to schools. The protocols we had in the schools worked and we managed to keep them. schools open from september to christmas nobody expected that at the beginning of the school year “The message to the citizens is that we will do everything in our power to open the schools safely on January 10.”, Mr. Oikonomou pointed out.

Regarding new support measures in sectors affected by the new measures, the Government Spokesman said that “as in the past, we did not leave anyone alone, we did not allow injustices to exist, so we will continue to support those affected by the pandemic. “People should be sure of that.”

Asked if there would be an extension of the coronavirus vaccination obligation, Mr. Economou said it was a proposal that “is being evaluated, we see the data and the course of vaccinations and decisions will be made, if necessary. We have taken and if necessary we will take again.” “difficult decisions that had political costs. The strategy is specific: to tackle the pandemic, to support the NSS and to keep the country open. There may be small changes due to the dynamics of the pandemic, but we will do what we have to do.”