Filenews 2 December 2020
In seven key questions about coronavirus, following on from what was announced last Monday, the Ministry of Health gives:
1. Why do shopping malls, department stores and other large stores remain open while the dining areas are open until 7 p.m.?
In department stores and shopping malls, the world does not remain confused and stable in one place, but moves and stays in the same place for a short time. In addition, within shopping centres/department stores, the use of masks by citizens is mandatory throughout the period within the premises.
After the detection of flocks of cases in dining areas, difficulty was caused in identifying the close contacts of the cases, limiting them and tracing them. In addition, in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and ecdc, dining areas have an increased risk of transmission of the virus, while their function falls within the general philosophy of measures to limit mobility and contacts.
2. Why was the curfew decided at 9 p.m. and not later to keep the dining areas open?
The curfew time was decided on the basis of the broader approach to reducing travel and, by extension, contacts. It was considered that the start of the curfew at 9 p.m. gives society room to function as normally as possible.
3. Why was the maximum number of persons allowed in churches/places of religious worship set at 75 persons?
The functioning of churches/places of religious worship is already governed by protocol and specific instructions. Specifically and among other things, the believers are seated and use a mask throughout their presence in the temple/place of religious worship.
As far as the maximum number of persons who may be in a temple is concerned, it was set at 75 people. It is clarified that the maximum limit of 75 persons concerns the interiors of the houses, since the courtyards of places of religious worship are considered public spaces, where under the Decree, the gathering of persons is prohibited. At the same time, the number of attendees also depends on the square meters of a temple/place of religious worship. Specifically, if a church has 60 sq.m., the maximum number of people who can attend is 20 persons. If a place of religious worship is 450 sq.m., regardless of square meters, the permitted number of attendees is 75 persons.
4. What is the ceiling for people who can attend a funeral both in church and in burial?
The maximum number of people who can attend a funeral is 10 people. The limit of a total of 10 people applies both to the ceremonial part of the funeral in the church (internally and externally) and to the burial in the cemetery.
5. Can I walk my dog after 9 p.m.?
One can walk his dog after 9 p.m. on the grounds that the walk will be restricted outside the house and will not be removed from the neighbourhood in a reasonable period of time.
6. Can I go to the airport to transport or pick up passengers after 9 p.m.?
Provided that there is evidence (ticket) with the time and date of departure/arrival, travel is allowed after 9 p.m. and for the time required to travel to/from the airport.
7. Individuals who fall into the population groups that will have priority for vaccination, how will they have access to the vaccine? Will anyone be able to buy the vaccine privately as is the case with the influenza A vaccine?
Vaccines that are in the final stage for authorisation and circulation are manufactured with very specific technologies. The availability of the vaccine will depend on the rate of production of each company, while their transport and storage will be carried out with specific specifications that the manufacturer will tie up during their licensing. Specifically for new technology vaccines such as Pfizer's, storage and transport is governed by very special and sensitive conditions and will be stored in refrigerators and specially designed areas, and will be transported to vaccination sites by a specific procedure.
The Government's intention to fully vaccinate the population, since this is a public health issue, and a vaccination mechanism will be activated through the Vaccination Centres that already exist in our country, taking into account the availability and partial deliveries of vaccines in conjunction with the hierarchy of categories that should receive it, free of charge.
The marketing of a medicinal product in the private sector also depends on the intention of the Marketing Licensee, after ensuring a maximum wholesale price and ensuring its safe distribution and distribution.
Source: eyenews
