Open economy and society at Christmas – The government plan for the coming weeks

Of Dimitris Gatsiou

The developments around the “Omicron” strain of the pandemic virus are the new factor that enters the government discussions that take place at the Maximos Palace, on the way to the festive period of Christmas and New Year.

Covid-19 data was at the heart of Monday’s regular meeting under the prime minister, as the key phrase “open economy and society” remains firmly on the horizon and is firmly repeated in public executives.

“Our strategy remains, as I said before, specific. The country will not close. The measures we have taken support this strategy in this specific context. We are not thinking of measures that could restrict vaccinated people.

We are not thinking of measures, which, in any case, will constitute a small, medium or large lockdown. “We are here to support this strategy, which at the same time keeps the economy, education and society open,” the government spokesman said in a statement.

The triptych of the rise of vaccinations of strict controls to comply with measures and strengthen the health system is at the forefront.

And, especially on the Eleftheria front, government officials have expressed satisfaction with the fact that the mix of measures, which has been in place for almost a week, is working to close the “appointment”, whether they are related to the first dose, or with the third-booster.

“What we are doing is continuing the multifaceted effort to stop the pandemic, in order to save lives, support the Health System and keep our economy, education and society open,” commenters said. vaccination coverage:

Within 16 days there is an increase of four percentage points, from 71% to 75%, of people over the age of twelve who are either vaccinated or have made an appointment for the first dose.

– On November 11, out of a total population of 9,523 million people over the age of twelve, 6,752,859 had been vaccinated or had made an appointment for the first dose, or 71%. After 16 days, on November 27, the number of people who had been vaccinated or had made an appointment for the first dose, exceeded 7,135,000.

– A total of over 386,000 citizens over the age of twelve were added in two weeks to the total population that has chosen to be vaccinated.

– In the same period the unvaccinated citizens over 60 years from 593,209 people decreased by 46,953 people and thus the vaccinated in this age group reached 82.2%.

– Vaccination centers from 1,500 vaccines in September have increased in recent days and have reached 2,300. It is thus possible for over 100,000 vaccinations per day.

What becomes clear from the discussions with executives is that the government wants to proceed in the next period and until the festive period with the existing framework of interventions. However, in case further measures are needed to stop the pandemic, then among the scenarios under consideration are:

– The increase of rapid tests for our unvaccinated fellow citizens from two to three per week, with the prediction that the tests will be daily and not 48 hours.

– The resumption of mask use everywhere outdoors and not just in color situations. A measure that, anyway, has not ceased to be in force.

“There will be targeted measures, as was done at the age of 60. There will be measures for those who choose not to be vaccinated. Everyone has a respectable choice not to be vaccinated, but it is not possible for the majority who decided to be vaccinated to pay. has been shielded against the pandemic “, noted (Sky) the Minister of Health, leaving open the way for any new interventions in the near future.