The Greek Chairmanship of the Council of Europe today launched its web discussion series, “In Discussion with ...”, with Professor of Pathology and Infectious Diseases Sotiris Tsiodras as the first guest in a series of digital discussions with prominent and distinguished guests from Greece and abroad.
The discussion was introduced by the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, who called the Professor a “symbol” of how to respond to the problem through a human approach, with respect for human life, dignity and, of course, freedom, underscoring that Greece achieved its original goal, which was to “flatten the curve.” He also noted that, with the Chairmanship’s main theme being the implications of Covid-19 for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, we aim, at the end of our Chairmanship, to be able to present guidelines on how the world and the democratic states of Europe respond in such cases.
Mr. Tsiodras presented scientific and epidemiological data on the progress of Greece’s response to the disease. He emphasised that Greece had prepared updated pandemic plans in January 2020, practically a month before the first case. He highlighted that the number of ICU beds was increased, and that there are now 9.4/100,000 residents, with the goal of reaching the European average. He also said that the restrictions that were imposed effectively reduced the spread of the disease by 80%.
Finally, addressing European citizens, Mr. Tsiodras stressed that “solidarity is the big message. I would like to say no to fear and panic. Yes to solidarity. No to stigma. We’re all in this together, and we’ll fight this and we’ll prevail.”
June 1, 2020