x

Greece shuts down all schools as COVID-19 surge overwhelms hospitals

Greece announced on Saturday the closure of its primary schools, kindergartens and daycare centres amid a surge in COVID-19 cases that has saturated the national health system.

A statement issued by the country’s Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias said “The Greek government decided the suspension of the functioning of schools until November 30.

“Closing elementary schools was the last thing we wanted to do. This is a measure of how serious the situation is,” he added.

READ ALSO: COVID19: We must continue to fight hard, take precautions — Gbajabiamila

Secondary schools have already closed since last week and all lessons are being taken remotely.

Most European countries have kept schools open during the second wave of cases that have hit the continent since September, unlike in March and April when they were shuttered during the first lockdowns.

Since late October, the daily number of deaths in Greece has quadrupled with 50 deaths reported some days, while the number of infections has doubled to around 3,000 cases daily.

Out of the 1,143 total, intensive care unit beds nationwide on Friday 830 were occupied.

The country with a population of 10.9 million people has experienced 997 deaths and 69,675 contaminations since the beginning of the pandemic in late February, most of them in the last four months.

The most hard-hit area is the northern city of Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece.

“The health system is in the red,” Health Minister Kikilias warned.

RELATED POSTS:

Thousands of refugees rendered homeless after fire destroys Moria camp in Greece

Greece reports first coronavirus death, a 66-year-old man

Greece accused of opening fire as border tensions with Turkey grow

Hot this week

My China Story: A Journey Through Beijing, Wuxi, and Qingdao

By Michael Onjewu, AbujaWhen I boarded my flight to...

Clean Up Abuja: Wike Reiterates Commitment to Waste Management

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome...

Police to Begin Enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit in Kogi

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Kogi State Police Command has...

Bishop Adegbite Names Fintiri as Most Pilgrim Friendly Governor

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe Executive Secretary of the Nigerian...

Clean Up Abuja: Wike Reiterates Commitment to Waste Management

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome...

Good Road Network Attracting Investors to FCT – Wike

... Investors to Replicate Dubai City Walk in AbujaBy...

Emir of Zazzau Faces Two Defamation Suits Over Radio Interview

...Court to Hear Case November 4By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe...

Tinubu, Mutfwang, Akpabio, and Other Dignitaries Honour APC Chairman’s Mother at Jos Funeral

By Israel Adamu, JosPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Plateau State...

How l became a consultant inside Kaduna Prison – Journalist Idibia

MY STORYBy Idibia GabrielIt is Interesting but hazardous to...

RCCG Pastor Urges Men to Embrace Physical Exercise for Greater Productivity

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img