Filenews 24 February 2021 - by Marilena Panagi
The Government's intentions in relation to the de-escalation of the measures were made clear yesterday morning by the Minister of Health Konstantinos Ioannou himself, while the scientists held a teleconference yesterday with each other, proceeding to draw up their own proposals, which they are expected to put before the President of the Republic today.
As far as the Government is concerned, the Minister of Health stressed, inter alia, that the dining areas will not be reopened from 1 March and at the same time clarified that at least the first half of March will continue to be operational in 8998 and the measure of two sms per citizen, every 24 hours.
"If the dining areas are allowed to operate at this pivotal moment," the health minister said, "there will be a setback" and admitted that there are different views on the return of pupils to schools. Expressing his personal opinion, however, he said not all students should return together next Monday "but gradually." He stressed, however, that, "the final decision on this matter will be taken on Thursday at the Cabinet meeting". This week, the health minister said, "is critical since the results of the relaxations that took two weeks ago will be transparent."
Any decisions are expected to be largely determined by today's briefing by the President of the Republic by the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee, while the final result is not excluded from the subsequent meeting of the Presidential under Nicos Anastasiades with the participation of all political leaders.
The members of the EES, as reported by the "F", are said to be pre-selecting the return of all pupils to schools from next Monday, while as far as the focus areas are concerned, the position of the scientists will probably be clarified today. However, opinions until last night differed after there were "voices" for the reopening of some dining areas, under strict restrictions.
With regard to restrictions on travel, and from the point of view of scientists, there will probably be a recommendation to keep the two text messages, and it is not out of the question that a proposal should also be made to change the start time of the curfew.
Relaxes come rather for gyms, dance schools and other group sports for children and adults and it is not out of the question that the number of spectators in theatres and cinemas will increase. The lifting of the ban on visits to nature trails should also be taken for granted.
