A success story
Having a health care system weakened by the decade-long crisis and being populated by a high number of elders, Greece still managed to emerge as a good surprise during the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Its outbreak appears to be far more limited than what was expected.
Greece so far has avoided that dire scenario, emerging as an example of how even a vulnerable country can contain the virus if it moves quickly and persuades people to take the threat seriously.
But how did Greece manage to become a success story in this pandemic that has changed so much in the way we live, travel and work?
The key to Greece’s success, analysts say, was the government’s early steps to contain the virus ahead of most of Europe. In late February, before a single death from the disease had been recorded, carnivals were canceled. Schools and universities nationwide were closed on March 10, when there were just 89 confirmed cases in the country. Cafes, restaurants, and tourist spots were closed three days later.
The country’s main weakness, the crisis beaten health care system, made the Government respond quickly and firmly to this threat having all medical staff being trained from January to be able to stand tall in this battle. In addition, citizens where informed on the situation from the very beginning by renowned scientists, while having a constant communication with the Prime Minister, with daily television broadcasts, thus enhancing the citizens’ awareness. The lockdown measures have been greeted with widespread support as people seemed to trust the Government.
The government also used the lockdown to increase healthcare capacity, growing the number of ICU beds from 565 in early March to 910 at the end of the month. And an agreement between the Greek government and private hospitals means they have begun taking on patients with non-coronavirus-related ailments, freeing up space for COVID-19 patients in public hospitals.
One more vital reason of the success is the significance of health in the Greek culture. Health is important to Greeks, more so than money, and is the general benediction. The word “geia” (meaning ‘hi’ and ‘bye’) is a shortening of the word “health” (y-geia), and when Greeks raise their glasses they say “Eis ygeian”, or “Geia mas” (to health). Since antiquity, the body beautiful, the healthy spirit and healthy mind and good old Spartan selection of the fittest have been in the Greek psyche.
Therefore, the lessons they got from history (the decade-long crisis), the Government’s presence, the quick reflexes, and the importance of health have proven a successful recipe towards the pandemic.
This means that the country is ready to be relieved from the lockdown and start getting prepared methodically and cautiously for the summer period.
Greece is a popular tourist destination, with 27.2 million visitors in 2017 alone, and with tourism being one of the most important industries in the country, it is ready to become a perfect host once again to all travelers!