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Coronavirus live news: fears African vaccinations may not start until mid-2021; Greek patients airlifted to Athens Coronavirus live news: fears African vaccinations may not start until mid-2021; Croatia closes all restaurants
(32 minutes later)
Health campaigners fear Africa near the back of queue for vaccines; patients airlifted from northern Greece to Athens; Swedish royals test positive Health campaigners fear Africa near the back of queue for vaccines; weddings also banned in Croatia; Swedish royals test positive
Croatia will close cafes and restaurants and ban weddings until Christmas as the number of coronavirus cases hit a record high on Thursday for the second day in a row, the government said. Swiss ski resorts can stay open for now as long as they have strict safety measures in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the health minister Alain Berset said on Thursday.
The country of four million reported 4,009 new cases and 51 deaths on Thursday, with 21,725 active cases. Neighbours France, Italy, Austria and Germany have all ordered even the high-altitude lifts that could be running this early in the winter to remain closed in the hope that all resorts can benefit at peak-season, if and when the infection rate slows.
A new set of measures, including restricting outdoor and public gatherings to 25 people and private parties to 10, will come into effect on Saturday and last at least until 21 December, the prime minister Andrej Plenkovic said. “In Switzerland the situation is much easier, one can still ski, that was always the goal. Obviously with respect for very strict measures, we have to have protection plans and things must be clear,” Berset told a news conference in Bern.
Usable space on public transport will be restricted to 40%, bakeries will have to close by 10pm, cafes and restaurants will be closed for guests while restaurants will be allowed to prepare and deliver food. He left the door open to change policy should conditions change by the year’s end, when the two-week holiday period lures many winter sports enthusiasts to the slopes.
“Our goal is fourfold - to implement the measures, to expand testing, to maintain our health system and prepare for vaccination,” Plenkovic told a news conference. He said the government did not consider imposing a lockdown. “The situation remains very serious and very unstable...and we have not decided yet how it will go in future,” Berset said, adding Bern was in close contact with its neighbours and Swiss cantons.
He acknowledged tensions would arise if Swiss resorts were the only ones open. “We will have to discuss this with the cantons but we are a sovereign country and can decide ourselves what the facts are on our territory,” he added.
Switzerland has adopted a “middle path” to curb the pandemic that has infected more than 300,000 and killed 4,109 here, leaving the nation largely open for business while urging people to keep their distance and embrace proper hygiene.
Berset said Switzerland could get the first, limited supply of Covid-19 vaccines by the end of January if all went well. It would not force people to get vaccines, which it plans to distribute to patients free of charge.
Switzerland has signed vaccine contracts with Moderna and AstraZeneca and reserved doses from Pfizer while finalising a contract.
Croatia will close cafes and restaurants and ban weddings until Christmas as the number of coronavirus cases hit a record high for the second day in a row, the government said.
The country of 4 million reported 4,009 new cases and 51 deaths on Thursday, with 21,725 active cases.
A new set of measures, including restricting outdoor and public gatherings to 25 people and private parties to 10, will come into effect on Saturday and last at least until 21 December, said the prime minister, Andrej Plenković.
Usable space on public transport will be restricted to 40%, bakeries will have to close by 10pm and cafes and restaurants will be closed for guests, but restaurants will be allowed to prepare and deliver food.
“Our goal is fourfold – to implement the measures, to expand testing, to maintain our health system and prepare for vaccination,” Plenković told a news conference. He said the government did not consider imposing a lockdown.
Croatia’s eastern neighbour, Serbia, reported a record 51 deaths and 7,606 new infections in the past 24 hours. A state of emergency was introduced in the second-largest city of Novi Sad.Croatia’s eastern neighbour, Serbia, reported a record 51 deaths and 7,606 new infections in the past 24 hours. A state of emergency was introduced in the second-largest city of Novi Sad.
Serbia, which has a population of 7.2 million, has reported 148,214 coronavirus infections so far and 7,579 deaths.Serbia, which has a population of 7.2 million, has reported 148,214 coronavirus infections so far and 7,579 deaths.
Last week, North Macedonia introduced a state of emergency, bringing in the army and private hospitals to help counter the spike in infections.Last week, North Macedonia introduced a state of emergency, bringing in the army and private hospitals to help counter the spike in infections.
Berlin is racing to open six mass vaccination centres capable of handling up to 4,000 people per day by mid-December, the project coordinator told Reuters on Thursday, as the city waits for authorities to approve the first vaccines.Berlin is racing to open six mass vaccination centres capable of handling up to 4,000 people per day by mid-December, the project coordinator told Reuters on Thursday, as the city waits for authorities to approve the first vaccines.
An empty trade fair hall, two airport terminals, a concert arena, a velodrome and an ice rink will be turned into six vaccination centres where it plans to administer up to 900,000 shots against the coronavirus in the first three months. An empty trade fair hall, two airport terminals, a concert arena, a velodrome and an ice rink will be turned into six vaccination centres where there are plans to administer up to 900,000 shots against coronavirus in the first three months.
Albrecht Broemme said plans envisage 3,000 to 4,000 people per day being ferried through each centre in the same way as shoppers are guided through IKEA stores in one direction. Albrecht Broemme said plans envisage 3,000 to 4,000 people per day being ferried through each centre in the same way as shoppers are guided through Ikea stores in one direction.
“The biggest challenge will be succeeding in getting the right people at the right time at the right vaccination centre,” Broemme said on the sidelines of a fire drill at the city’s makeshift Covid-19 hospital in a trade fair hall.“The biggest challenge will be succeeding in getting the right people at the right time at the right vaccination centre,” Broemme said on the sidelines of a fire drill at the city’s makeshift Covid-19 hospital in a trade fair hall.
Germany appears to be the furthest ahead of European nations in its planning for the daunting logistical and administrative challenge that could be just a few weeks away if the first vaccines gain approval.Germany appears to be the furthest ahead of European nations in its planning for the daunting logistical and administrative challenge that could be just a few weeks away if the first vaccines gain approval.
Europe’s drug watchdog expects to receive the first application for conditional marketing approval for a Covid-19 vaccine “in the coming days”, it said on Thursday, the latest step towards making a shot available outside the United States.Europe’s drug watchdog expects to receive the first application for conditional marketing approval for a Covid-19 vaccine “in the coming days”, it said on Thursday, the latest step towards making a shot available outside the United States.
Broemme said Berlin is working on the assumption that around 80% of its doses in the first instance will come from Pfizer / BioNTech with the remaining 20% of the doses from AstraZeneca. Broemme said Berlin was working on the assumption that about 80% of its doses in the first instance will come from Pfizer/BioNTech, with the remaining 20% of the doses from AstraZeneca.
The health minister Jens Spahn said Germany has secured around 300 million vaccine doses. Other German states have said vaccination centres will be ready from mid-December and mobile teams will inoculate the most vulnerable. The health minister, Jens Spahn, said Germany had secured about 300nm vaccine doses. Other German states have said vaccination centres will be ready from mid-December and mobile teams will inoculate the most vulnerable.
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The number of people in Ireland infected by someone who has Covid-19 remained at around 0.7 to 0.9 for the second successive week, a senior health official said on Thursday, as ministers prepare to reopen parts of the next economy next week.The number of people in Ireland infected by someone who has Covid-19 remained at around 0.7 to 0.9 for the second successive week, a senior health official said on Thursday, as ministers prepare to reopen parts of the next economy next week.
The reproduction rate, also known as the R number, fell to 0.6 two weeks ago but has failed to hit the 0.5 mark health officials had targeted to reduce cases to a very low level and keep them there for a sustained period as curbs are lifted.The reproduction rate, also known as the R number, fell to 0.6 two weeks ago but has failed to hit the 0.5 mark health officials had targeted to reduce cases to a very low level and keep them there for a sustained period as curbs are lifted.
“What appears to have been a very rapid decline of 6% a day (in the growth rate of cases), which had us on track for the really good figure we hoped for at the beginning of December has stalled in recent days with a growth rate of 0% and an R-value probably between 0.7 and 0.9,” Irish Health Service Executive chief clinical Colm Henry told a news briefing. “What appears to have been a very rapid decline of 6% a day (in the growth rate of cases), which had us on track for the really good figure we hoped for at the beginning of December, has stalled in recent days with a growth rate of 0% and an R value probably between 0.7 and 0.9,” the Irish Health Service Executive’s chief clinical officer, Colm Henry, told a news briefing.
A fabled Mexican physician-turned-paramilitary chief, José Manuel Mireles, has died of Covid-19 as the Latin American country continues to struggle with one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks. A fabled Mexican physician turned paramilitary chief, José Manuel Mireles, has died of Covid-19 as the Latin American country continues to struggle with one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks.
Mireles, who was 62 and Mexico’s most famous autodefensa (self-defense) leader, found international fame after appearing in the 2015 documentary Cartel Land about Mexico’s drug conflict.The film recounted how the doctor had decided to become a vigilante around a decade ago, taking up arms against the Knights Templar drug cartelas it seized control of towns and villages in the Mexican state of Michoacán.Mireles was a highly controversial character who some considered a hero and others an outlaw. He spent three years in prison after being arrested in 2014 and went into politics after his release in 2017.On Wednesday prominent Mexican politicians, including Michoacán’s governor, lamented the death of Mireles, who had been taken to hospital in early November and put on a ventilator.Mexico now has the world’s fourth-highest Covid death toll after the US, Brazil and India, with more than 100,000 officially registered deaths. This week it was poised to overtake Brazil as the country with the 10th highest death rate per million residents. Mireles, who was 62 and Mexico’s most famous autodefensa (self-defence) leaders, found international fame after appearing in the 2015 documentary Cartel Land, about Mexico’s drug conflict.
The film recounted how the doctor had decided to become a vigilante about a decade ago, taking up arms against the Knights Templar drug cartel as it seized control of towns and villages in the Mexican state of Michoacán.
Mireles was a highly controversial character who some considered a hero and others an outlaw. He spent three years in prison after being arrested in 2014 and went into politics after his release in 2017.
On Wednesday prominent Mexican politicians, including Michoacán’s governor, lamented the death of Mireles, who had been taken to hospital in early November and put on a ventilator.
Mexico has the world’s fourth-highest Covid death toll after the US, Brazil and India, with more than 100,000 officially registered deaths. This week it was poised to overtake Brazil as the country with the 10th highest death rate per million residents.
The second wave of Covid-19 infections that has hit Sweden could peak in mid-December, health officials said on Thursday, saying developments will depend on how well the public follows social distancing advice. New infections have hit record levels in recent weeks after a lull in the summer, throwing the country’s light-touch approach to fighting the pandemic into renewed focus. In total, 6,622 people with Covid-19 have died in Sweden, a per capita total vastly higher than neighbours Norway, Denmark and Finland, which opted for stricter lockdowns during the spring, but lower than a handful of larger European nations.The second wave of Covid-19 infections that has hit Sweden could peak in mid-December, health officials said on Thursday, saying developments will depend on how well the public follows social distancing advice. New infections have hit record levels in recent weeks after a lull in the summer, throwing the country’s light-touch approach to fighting the pandemic into renewed focus. In total, 6,622 people with Covid-19 have died in Sweden, a per capita total vastly higher than neighbours Norway, Denmark and Finland, which opted for stricter lockdowns during the spring, but lower than a handful of larger European nations.
Tougher restrictions in place since mid-October, however, may have helped slow the spread of the disease, with the public health agency saying infections could peak in the coming weeks.Tougher restrictions in place since mid-October, however, may have helped slow the spread of the disease, with the public health agency saying infections could peak in the coming weeks.
Mass vaccination against Covid-19 is unlikely to start in Africa until midway through next year and keeping vaccines cold could be a big challenge, the continent’s disease control group said on Thursday.Mass vaccination against Covid-19 is unlikely to start in Africa until midway through next year and keeping vaccines cold could be a big challenge, the continent’s disease control group said on Thursday.
Some European countries expect to start rolling out vaccination campaigns as early as January. But health campaigners are worried that Africa will find itself near the back of the queue for Covid-19 vaccines after wealthier nations signed a raft of bilateral vaccine supply deals with pharmaceutical companies. “We are very concerned as a continent that we will not have access to vaccines in a timely fashion,” said John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, an African Union agency.Some European countries expect to start rolling out vaccination campaigns as early as January. But health campaigners are worried that Africa will find itself near the back of the queue for Covid-19 vaccines after wealthier nations signed a raft of bilateral vaccine supply deals with pharmaceutical companies. “We are very concerned as a continent that we will not have access to vaccines in a timely fashion,” said John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, an African Union agency.
As the coronavirus leaves many people housebound and many Americans sit to feast for Thanksgiving, the World Health Organization says people need to get more active, insisting that up to 5 million deaths worldwide could be avoided each year if people would run, walk and simply move more.As the coronavirus leaves many people housebound and many Americans sit to feast for Thanksgiving, the World Health Organization says people need to get more active, insisting that up to 5 million deaths worldwide could be avoided each year if people would run, walk and simply move more.
The UN health agency, launching updated guidelines on sedentary behaviour, is pointing to figures that one in four adults — and four in five adolescents — don’t get enough physical activity, a situation complicated by the Covid-19 crisis that has shut up many people indoors.The UN health agency, launching updated guidelines on sedentary behaviour, is pointing to figures that one in four adults — and four in five adolescents — don’t get enough physical activity, a situation complicated by the Covid-19 crisis that has shut up many people indoors.
It recommends at least two and a half hours of “moderate to vigorous aerobic activity” for adults per week, and an hour per day for children and teenagers. A lack of physical activity leads to extra health care costs of $54bn (£40bn) per year, plus another $14bn in lost productivity, the WHO said.It recommends at least two and a half hours of “moderate to vigorous aerobic activity” for adults per week, and an hour per day for children and teenagers. A lack of physical activity leads to extra health care costs of $54bn (£40bn) per year, plus another $14bn in lost productivity, the WHO said.
French winter sports resorts are free to open for the Christmas holiday season, the prime minister, Jean Castex, said on Thursday, but ski lifts will have to remain shut.French winter sports resorts are free to open for the Christmas holiday season, the prime minister, Jean Castex, said on Thursday, but ski lifts will have to remain shut.
President Emmanuel Macron warned on Tuesday that coronavirus risks made it “impossible” to allow winter sports to resume quickly, adding he hoped restrictions could be lifted in January.President Emmanuel Macron warned on Tuesday that coronavirus risks made it “impossible” to allow winter sports to resume quickly, adding he hoped restrictions could be lifted in January.
France’s 350 ski resorts have been up in arms over the decision, saying the weeks around Christmas and new year are crucial for their survival as they account for up to a quarter of their annual revenues.France’s 350 ski resorts have been up in arms over the decision, saying the weeks around Christmas and new year are crucial for their survival as they account for up to a quarter of their annual revenues.
Castex said mountain holidays were still on the cards but downhill skiing – by far the most popular pastime for crowds of French and foreign skiers in Alpine and Pyrenees resorts – was effectively ruled out.Castex said mountain holidays were still on the cards but downhill skiing – by far the most popular pastime for crowds of French and foreign skiers in Alpine and Pyrenees resorts – was effectively ruled out.
“Naturally, everybody is free to travel to resorts to enjoy the clean air of our beautiful mountains, and the shops which will be open, although bars and restaurants won’t be,” Castex told a news conference.“Naturally, everybody is free to travel to resorts to enjoy the clean air of our beautiful mountains, and the shops which will be open, although bars and restaurants won’t be,” Castex told a news conference.
National math and reading tests used to track US students’ knowledge in those subjects are being postponed until 2022 due to the coronavirus outbreak, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) said.National math and reading tests used to track US students’ knowledge in those subjects are being postponed until 2022 due to the coronavirus outbreak, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) said.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as “the nation’s report card”, previously had been planned to be held at the beginning of 2021 for hundreds of thousands of fourth- and eighth-graders.The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as “the nation’s report card”, previously had been planned to be held at the beginning of 2021 for hundreds of thousands of fourth- and eighth-graders.
“I have determined that NCES cannot at this time conduct a national-level assessment in a manner with sufficient validity and reliability to meet the mandate of the law,” the NCES commissioner, James Woodworth, said on Wednesday. “I was obviously concerned about sending outsiders into schools and possibly increasing the risk of Covid transmission,” he added.“I have determined that NCES cannot at this time conduct a national-level assessment in a manner with sufficient validity and reliability to meet the mandate of the law,” the NCES commissioner, James Woodworth, said on Wednesday. “I was obviously concerned about sending outsiders into schools and possibly increasing the risk of Covid transmission,” he added.
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Thousands of volunteers are flocking to research hospitals across Pakistan to join final-stage clinical trials of a Chinese-made vaccine for the coronavirus.Thousands of volunteers are flocking to research hospitals across Pakistan to join final-stage clinical trials of a Chinese-made vaccine for the coronavirus.
It is the first time Pakistan has participated in such a trial, which comes amid a string of positive vaccine announcements by Western pharmaceutical companies this month.It is the first time Pakistan has participated in such a trial, which comes amid a string of positive vaccine announcements by Western pharmaceutical companies this month.
The vaccine is being developed by CanSinoBio and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China.The vaccine is being developed by CanSinoBio and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China.
“I have volunteered myself for a noble cause that will help humanity,” said a volunteer at Islamabad’s Shifa hospital, where hundreds of participants are being paid about $50 for their trouble.“I have volunteered myself for a noble cause that will help humanity,” said a volunteer at Islamabad’s Shifa hospital, where hundreds of participants are being paid about $50 for their trouble.
Others should “step forward and take part in this noble cause which will save lives”, he added.Others should “step forward and take part in this noble cause which will save lives”, he added.
For years, China has focused much of its attention in Pakistan on mammoth development projects, bankrolling the construction of roads, power plants and a strategic port.For years, China has focused much of its attention in Pakistan on mammoth development projects, bankrolling the construction of roads, power plants and a strategic port.
Beijing has now tapped one of its closest allies to participate in the vaccine trials, despite Pakistan’s chequered history with inoculation campaigns.Beijing has now tapped one of its closest allies to participate in the vaccine trials, despite Pakistan’s chequered history with inoculation campaigns.
The coronavirus has killed at least 1,422,951 people since the outbreak emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 1100 GMT on Thursday.The coronavirus has killed at least 1,422,951 people since the outbreak emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 1100 GMT on Thursday.
At least 60,427,590 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 38,532,900 are now considered recovered.At least 60,427,590 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 38,532,900 are now considered recovered.
The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.
Many countries are testing only symptomatic or the most serious cases.Many countries are testing only symptomatic or the most serious cases.
On Wednesday, 12,351 new deaths and 635,138 new cases were recorded worldwide. Based on the latest reports, the countries with the newest deaths were the United States with 2,439 new deaths, followed by Mexico with 858 and Italy with 722.On Wednesday, 12,351 new deaths and 635,138 new cases were recorded worldwide. Based on the latest reports, the countries with the newest deaths were the United States with 2,439 new deaths, followed by Mexico with 858 and Italy with 722.
The United States is the worst-affected country with 262,283 deaths from 12,778,254 cases. At least 4,835,956 people have been declared recovered.The United States is the worst-affected country with 262,283 deaths from 12,778,254 cases. At least 4,835,956 people have been declared recovered.
After the US, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil with 170,769 deaths from 6,166,606 cases, India with 135,223 deaths from 9,266,705 cases, Mexico with 103,597 deaths from 1,070,487 cases, and the United Kingdom with 56,533 deaths from 1,557,007 cases.After the US, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil with 170,769 deaths from 6,166,606 cases, India with 135,223 deaths from 9,266,705 cases, Mexico with 103,597 deaths from 1,070,487 cases, and the United Kingdom with 56,533 deaths from 1,557,007 cases.
The state premier of Thuringia on Thursday announced a first mass test for children in the district of Hildburghausen, Germany’s coronavirus hotspot, to find out to what extent they contribute to a rapid surge in infections. The east German district saw a record 603 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days, more than four times Germany’s average incidence of 140, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases. “We will now conduct the first mass test for children and young people, who can be tested for free, starting next Tuesday,” Bodo Ramelow told broadcaster ARD. “Then we will know for the first time: how safe are schools and kindergartens?” The Hildburghausen district of 63,000 inhabitants introduced a regional lockdown that is stricter than the one in force in the state of Thuringia on Wednesday. Unlike most of Germany, kindergartens and schools have been closed and people are only allowed to leave their flats if they have a good reason. Violations can be punished with fines of up to 25,000 euros ($29,775). The lockdown is in place until 13 December. Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed with leaders of the 16 federal states on Wednesday night to extend and tighten national measures against the coronavirus until at least Dec. 20 but ease rules over the Christmas holidays to let families and friends celebrate together. However, another extension into January is seen as likely. While many Germans support the government’s measures, there are also a number of opponents. After police clashed with thousands of demonstrators in Berlin a week ago, around 400 people gathered in the city of Hildburghausen on Wednesday night to protest the new restrictions.The state premier of Thuringia on Thursday announced a first mass test for children in the district of Hildburghausen, Germany’s coronavirus hotspot, to find out to what extent they contribute to a rapid surge in infections. The east German district saw a record 603 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days, more than four times Germany’s average incidence of 140, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases. “We will now conduct the first mass test for children and young people, who can be tested for free, starting next Tuesday,” Bodo Ramelow told broadcaster ARD. “Then we will know for the first time: how safe are schools and kindergartens?” The Hildburghausen district of 63,000 inhabitants introduced a regional lockdown that is stricter than the one in force in the state of Thuringia on Wednesday. Unlike most of Germany, kindergartens and schools have been closed and people are only allowed to leave their flats if they have a good reason. Violations can be punished with fines of up to 25,000 euros ($29,775). The lockdown is in place until 13 December. Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed with leaders of the 16 federal states on Wednesday night to extend and tighten national measures against the coronavirus until at least Dec. 20 but ease rules over the Christmas holidays to let families and friends celebrate together. However, another extension into January is seen as likely. While many Germans support the government’s measures, there are also a number of opponents. After police clashed with thousands of demonstrators in Berlin a week ago, around 400 people gathered in the city of Hildburghausen on Wednesday night to protest the new restrictions.
Over in Greece military C-130 transport planes have begun airlifting patients stricken with Covid-19 from Drama, in the north of the country, to Athens as the government announced that a nationwide lockdown would be extended until December 7th.Over in Greece military C-130 transport planes have begun airlifting patients stricken with Covid-19 from Drama, in the north of the country, to Athens as the government announced that a nationwide lockdown would be extended until December 7th.
In what has become the most evident sign yet of the strain now being placed on overstretched hospitals in the region, health authorities took the step this morning of moving gravely ill people to intensive care wards in the Greek capital. Local media reported the patients were transferred in isolation capsules aboard the aircraft. Patients have also been airlifted from Rhodes island to Crete and Andros to Athens, the latter in a Super Puma helicopter.In what has become the most evident sign yet of the strain now being placed on overstretched hospitals in the region, health authorities took the step this morning of moving gravely ill people to intensive care wards in the Greek capital. Local media reported the patients were transferred in isolation capsules aboard the aircraft. Patients have also been airlifted from Rhodes island to Crete and Andros to Athens, the latter in a Super Puma helicopter.
Mounting pressure on the nation’s already fragile health system is such that the head of the Panhellenic Medical Association sounded the alarm Thursday. “Numbers have accelerated very quickly in very little time,” said Dr Athanasios Exadaktylos, noting that of the 1,902 fatalities recorded since the start of the pandemic, 1,257 had occurred since 1 November. “And [as a result] another danger has become clear: that if all the wards the country has at its disposal are occupied by patients suffering from Coronavirus then patients with other ailments may find themselves in difficulty … patients suffering from other ailments may die.”Mounting pressure on the nation’s already fragile health system is such that the head of the Panhellenic Medical Association sounded the alarm Thursday. “Numbers have accelerated very quickly in very little time,” said Dr Athanasios Exadaktylos, noting that of the 1,902 fatalities recorded since the start of the pandemic, 1,257 had occurred since 1 November. “And [as a result] another danger has become clear: that if all the wards the country has at its disposal are occupied by patients suffering from Coronavirus then patients with other ailments may find themselves in difficulty … patients suffering from other ailments may die.”
Greece has registered just under 100,000 infections but since the autumn has seen a surge in cases prompting the government to impose a nationwide lockdown as of November 6th.Greece has registered just under 100,000 infections but since the autumn has seen a surge in cases prompting the government to impose a nationwide lockdown as of November 6th.
Asked if he thought curbs on movement should be lifted, Exadakytlos echoed government officials saying he believed the lockdown should be extended saying “it should have been imposed earlier.”Asked if he thought curbs on movement should be lifted, Exadakytlos echoed government officials saying he believed the lockdown should be extended saying “it should have been imposed earlier.”
Greece will extend its nationwide lockdown until 7 December as Covid-19 cases continued to surge across the country, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Thursday. Greece has registered a total of 97,288 Coronavirus cases and 1,902 deaths, with the hardest-hit area being northern Greece. Hospitals are operating at almost full capacity, according to health ministry data.Greece will extend its nationwide lockdown until 7 December as Covid-19 cases continued to surge across the country, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Thursday. Greece has registered a total of 97,288 Coronavirus cases and 1,902 deaths, with the hardest-hit area being northern Greece. Hospitals are operating at almost full capacity, according to health ministry data.
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