Greek Health Experts Recommend Mask Re-Introduction Amid Infection Spike
With a surge in COVID-19 and respiratory infections, Greek health experts are calling for the re-adoption of face masks and other preventative health measures.
Jordan Taylor
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 01:45 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - An expert committee representing the Greek Ministry of Health, after reviewing the latest COVID-19 epidemiological data, has urged the return of mask usage in public spaces. The "Kathimerini" daily reported the committee’s advice that people, particularly in crowded environments, use face masks, sanitize hands regularly, and get tested if they exhibit respiratory symptoms. The health experts are particularly advocating for the protection of those at elevated risk of serious illness through vaccination against both COVID-19 and influenza.
Global Concerns Ahead of Winter
The call in Greece for enhanced precautions aligns with broader concerns expressed internationally as the northern hemisphere approaches the winter season. The World Health Organization observed a COVID-19 resurgence in September, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighting the worrisome trend. Similarly, in Germany, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has been urging high-risk individuals to get vaccinated, and in the Czech Republic, reports indicate that 1,000 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19.
Despite the rise in cases, current trends in Greece have shown an increase in infections across all age groups and a mild uptick in hospital admissions without significant pressure on the healthcare system. This data suggests that while the situation is being closely monitored, the healthcare infrastructure is coping with the rise in cases.
In light of these developments, health experts continue to emphasize the importance of preventive measures, particularly the use of masks in healthcare settings, to curb the spread and protect both patients and healthcare staff. They recommend continuous vigilance and proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing pandemic and associated viral respiratory infections.
