There are 31 cases of coronavirus in Greece, as announced by the Ministry of Health on Thursday afternoon.
During the standard press briefing, the Professor of Infectious Diseases explained that there are still 21 new cases, which were fellow travelers of the 66-year-old man - the ninth case in Greece.
Specifically, they are members of the pilgrimage group, which traveled to Israel and Egypt at the end of February.
Including the 21 new cases, which were announced at noon on Thursday, the total number of patients in the country is 31.
The 66-year-old has severe pneumonia
At the same time, in fact, the control of the other members of the same travel group continues. So far, 24 people have been tested (s.s. 21 positive).
In the meantime, the tracking of the contacts of the above cases is in full swing, with the relevant process continuing. To date, more than 400 contacts have been identified.
A significant increase in cases is expected
Mr. Tsiodras, at the same time, estimated that "in the coming weeks we expect a significant increase in the number of cases in Greece." This is because the new coronavirus spreads and spreads with great speed, just like the seasonal flu.
He clarified that the disease is mild in the vast majority and that there is no need to panic. He also explained that those who have more serious symptoms need medical care, not all.
Special mention was made of the extraordinary measures taken for the prefectures of Ilia, Zakynthos and Achaea, places of origin of the members of the excursion group.
"The measures are aimed at delaying the rapid transmission of the disease in these areas," said Mr. Tsiodras.
"Nothing could be done differently"
Asked if "everything was done right" in the case of Ilia, the expert clarified that "nothing different could be done".
"Israel was not in the definition of a case. The monitoring of the new virus did not concern the region of Israel. This shows the dynamics of the virus. It is a virus that passes under our nose ", he clarified, characteristically.
He even revealed that the first incident in Greece did not meet the definition of a case.
"For two weeks now, people on the staff have known that the virus crosses borders and is transmitted by asymptomatic forms. That is why hygiene measures are important ", he continued, in the same tone.
He clarified that the two main symptoms of coronavirus are fever and cough.
Tsiodra outbreak for the complaints
Asked to answer questions about any "holes" in the health system and case management in Rio, Mr. Tsiodras assured that the system worked as planned.
It even broke out against those complained by hospitals.
"The health system is under unbearable pressure and operates with self-sacrifice. It is a shame to go out and report the hospitals that are doing a wonderful job for us on a non-profit basis. "From the bottom of my heart I want to tell you when fellow human beings come out and complain about our hospitals."
Source: sigmalive