Experts see slow drop in coronavirus infections, but Attica needs to remain on alert
The number of coronavirus infections has remained stable during the last three weeks, member of the Health Ministry's novel coronavirus experts committee Vana Papaevangelou said on Friday, adding that the rolling average of the last 7 days was 650 new infections per day.
Although ominous warnings by some of a spike in infections after the holidays did not come to fruition, residents of the Attica region should remain vigilant because there is a slight upward rate there, the paediatric infectious diseases professor and doctor said, particularly West Attica and central Athens. In Attica, she noted, the infection rate is fairly high, particularly in comparison with Northern Greece, which had been leading the country in infections recently. The occupation of ICU beds has reached 55 pct nationally and 61 pct in Thessaloniki, she added.
Overall, the specialist said that the number of Covid-19 had dropped and currently stood at 1,700, while the average per day is 130, or twice fewer than December's figures. Any increases of the viral load in isolated areas is a result of small clusters of infection at workplaces or of families that came together for the holidays, she added.
Referring to coronavirus tests among teachers, she said there were 7 infections in 5,000 diagnoses, a very low number of infection (around 0.14 pct).
Although she expressed concern about the cold weather forcing more people indoors, leading to more dispersal of infections, she admitted that keeping stores shut indefinitely was not possible. Following a gradual drop of infections in the last two weeks, the committee proposed the reopening of stores. "We realize we cannot remain continually in a state of lockdown, [that's why] we agreed with the Ministry of Development's request" that the retail world reopens its doors to customers.
Also speaking at the briefing was University of Athens Medical School professor Gkikas Magiorkinis and coronavirus committee member, who said that the number of infections has improved and the health system continues to decompress, although at a slow pace. The key point is that there is a drop in new diagnoses for those aged 65 or older, he said, referring to the age group that is most likely to end up in emergency care. "We have achieved a lot with the use of face masks," he said.
