Greece is closely monitoring the developments and challenges posed by COVID-19 as the country remains vigilant in its battle against the virus. According to a recent update from the National Organization for Public Health (EODY), several key findings shed light on the current state of the pandemic in Greece. From September 25 to October 1, significant shifts and trends were observed in the fight against COVID-19.
One of the most significant findings in the report is the number of COVID-19 deaths. During this one-week period, Greece recorded 53 deaths from the virus, highlighting the impact on individuals and families. This underscores the ongoing need for efforts to control the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.
The report also revealed an increase in the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Over the course of the week, 36 patients needed ventilatory support, raising concerns about the severity of some COVID-19 cases and the strain on the healthcare system. This highlights the importance of ensuring sufficient resources and support for patients in critical condition.
Hospital admissions for COVID-19 saw a notable uptick, with 868 new admissions reported during the period. While this represents an increase compared to the previous week, it also signifies a 19% rise when compared to the average number of weekly admissions over the previous four weeks. However, there was a slight decrease in admissions compared to the preceding week, offering a glimmer of hope. Continued monitoring is crucial to determine if this decrease will persist and if additional measures are needed to curb the spread of the virus.
A new cause for concern emerged with the identification of a new sub-variant of the Omicron strain called BA.2.86, also known as the Pirola mutation. Greece reported 19 cases of this sub-variant during the reporting period, highlighting the virus’s ability to evolve and adapt. This reinforces the need for ongoing genomic surveillance and swift action to contain the spread of emerging variants.
While there was an increase in infections and admissions, a closer analysis of the data reveals important insights. The report noted a slight increase in the positivity rate in tested samples, indicating a higher percentage of positive cases and potential increased community transmission. Surveillance of viral load in wastewater also showed an increase in the circulation of the virus in certain areas, emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing and monitoring to identify and respond to outbreaks effectively.
The report also addressed the state of influenza and other respiratory viruses. Influenza-like illnesses remained at low levels, potentially influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The positivity rate for influenza in the community remained below 10%, and no new severe laboratory-confirmed influenza cases requiring ICU admission were reported. However, one death from laboratory-confirmed influenza was recorded, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant against respiratory illnesses and maintaining public health measures.
In conclusion, the latest update from Greece provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing battle against COVID-19. Despite challenges such as rising admissions and the emergence of new variants, there are also signs of hope, including a slight decrease in admissions in recent weeks. The key takeaway is the importance of maintaining public health measures, vaccination efforts, and robust testing and surveillance to effectively combat the virus. Greece and the world continue to adapt to the changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, striving to minimize its impact on communities and lives.