Magiorkinis on coronavirus spike: Greatest rise of new infections observed in 18-39 age group
Greece registered a record-breaking 667 new coronavirus diagnoses in a single day, University of Athens professor and Health Ministry committee member Gkikas Magiorkinis said on Tuesday, calling on people aged 18 to 40 to be particularly observant of preventative measures.
In a twice-weekly live briefing, Magiorkinis said there was a definite rising trend in new diagnoses, adding that this was reflected especially notably in Tuesday's numbers for both Athens (250 of 667 total) and Thessaloniki (125).
Fatalities due to the coronavirus have also increased on average, from around 5 a day to at least 7 or 8 per day, this week. The only number remaining stable is that of intubated patients in hospitals, which ranges over 80 per day, he said.
The epidemiologist appealed to the 18-40 age group to wear facial masks and observe preventative measures, as this age group registers the highest infection rate.
In particular, people aged 18 to 39 comprise, in recent days, 60 percent to 70 percent of all new cases, compared to preveious days. The 18-39 group also shows a rise in the positive test results rate, ranging from 10 pct to 20 pct.
He warned that people with O blood type are not immune from the virus, as media reported, while smokers are twice as likely to fall sick from Covid-19 illness, and he appealed to them to abstain from smoking at this time.
