Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ televised address to the nation, on Tuesday, March 17th – his second in a week – on the spread of the coronavirus.
My fellow citizens,
I am addressing you once more – a second time in just a few days – in regards to the threat of the coronavirus. Because as the pandemic continues to spread causing thousands of deaths in many countries. As well as the first severe losses in our country.
At these moments – where it seems like time cannot keep up with events – I choose to communicate with you more often. And to personally update you of new information, the decisions we are making and the plans we are forming.
Speaking always the language of truth and with the council of specialists as our steady guide.
We are at war. With an enemy who is invisible, but not invincible. Because if we succeed in curbing the spread of the virus, we will give time to the health system in order to address urgent cases.
Our first priority is one and is non-negotiable: To save lives. Our top concerns are people and public health.
This is why we enforced, much earlier than other European countries, unprecedented measures during peacetime. And we are continuing in that direction.
From tomorrow, all retail stores will be closed, except for those with first aid products and services.
The Public sector has already restructured its resources, adopting new technologies in that direction, in order to protect vulnerable members of the population. Businesses are following suit, thanks to online shopping.
From the beginning, we had three goals and they remain the same since the battle continues:
Limiting the spread of the virus. Reinforcing the health system. And supporting the economy and the workforce. I will start from the last point.
Just yesterday it was decided at Eurogroup that the goal for this year is no longer to keep the primary fiscal surplus at 3.5%. All expenditures for the health and immigration crisis will not be calculated in the 2020 budget. Emergency spending on support for the unemployed, the financially weak and welfare structures are also not included. Go ahead and visit their site to get more information on immigration laws and how they can affect you.
We will be able to also offer immediate and without additional bureaucracy, NSRF resources for the market and employment.
Practically and as a first phase, the government will provide 2 billion euros to assist production activities that are facing problems due to reduced turnover.
While the state and not the business will undertake to deposit part of the salary of employees from industries that are suffering.
Furthermore, all tax and insurance liabilities are suspended, while we legislate emergency measures that will allow for the greatest possible flexibility so that we can salvage jobs.
We are also coordinating with the Bank of Greece and the European Central Bank to avoid a new generation of “red” loans: The state will cover the interest on loans and on their end, the banks will suspend until September debt payments for businesses in good standing.
We want to salvage jobs. And I urge businesses not to proceed with layoffs. Because there will be measures that will boost liquidity and will allow you to persevere during this adventure.
Soon I will participate in a teleconference with the European Union Summit, aiming to expand the scope of government action. But to also convey the message that we must face this crisis united and with the cost equally shared by society. By the public and private sector. But also with the tangible support of Europe itself.
We will be fighting holding up this flag. And it is this flag that these new drastic measures are in service of, measures which will be expanded upon tomorrow by the Ministers of Finance, Development, and Labor.
On the Health front, the 2000 nurses who have been immediately hired are being directed to their posts. From today, NIMTS military hospital will be a Medical Care Center for Coronavirus Incidents. Similarly, the newly built Attica clinic in Thriasio will also be used as a Medical Care Center. In total, 1900 new beds have been added to the Health System.
I pray that we do not need them all… But that, as I have already told you, depends on all of us.
We are at the beginning of our battle, which is difficult, especially for the next two months! The coordination of this battle is not undertaken by the Secretariat of Civil Protection, through which all public services are managed.
This is what Secretary Nikos Chardalias has been promoted already to Undersecretary, with special jurisdiction, addressing the pandemic. And, every evening at 6 PM, along with infectious disease specialist, Dr. Sotiris Tsiodras, will responsibly update citizens.
Nothing, though, can occur without the dedication of our staff.
The fighters of our hospitals deserve all of our help. They are the heroes in white and green shirts. Just like the executives of Civil Protection and our people in uniform, who day and night offer of themselves for the public good. I thank them, I thank you, on behalf of all Greeks.
A round of applause and public praise are not sufficient thanks and I will personally see to it that you receive more.
The greatest weapon against the coronavirus remains social distancing. And, as the virus is transmitted through contact, it is this that we must adjust.
Even the doctors are telling us as much: “We remain standing at the hospitals for you. And you must remain home for us.”
The doctors advise us: Don’t behave as healthy individuals, who do not leave the house so that they do not get sick. But think about it differently: As if you already have the virus and you do not want to give it to anyone else.
Gatherings are the greatest traps. This is why we have banned them.
So, we stay at home. What was once referred to as cocooning and became a trend for the young, today is a necessity and a duty for all of us.
Let us be alone, but not lonely! Protected, not besieged! And isolated, but not alienated.
Because we are being asked to change only our habits, not our culture. To build a new social norm based on responsibility.
Our first concern remains the safeguarding of our elderly and vulnerable groups. And this responsibility weighs on all of us, especially the young. Be careful: You are most likely going to have a mild case of the virus or without any symptoms. However, by circulating unnecessarily, you are circulating the virus as well.
You are threatening your parents and grandparents. But you are also in danger yourselves. Because by increasing the number of patients, our hospitals will flood.
And this means that if tomorrow you have an accident, you fall off your motorcycle, you will not have the intensive care to treat you. As a result, carelessness is not a form of pseudo-resistance, it is not “coolness” or intelligence. It is simply irresponsible.
My compatriots everywhere in Greece,
In the coming two months the danger will grow. This is why new restrictions will follow. And we will all have to show discipline.
For those who behave antisocially, they will be made an example and punished. Because they will have committed two crimes: One against the law and one against life.
The same holds true for those who transmit the virus of misinformation with unsubstantiated rumors. Because panic is as dangerous as the virus itself.
And those who first lose sight of responsibility and their own humanity, cannot then wonder “where is the state.” The first and only word now belongs to the doctors and the State.
In the world today, two political and ethical perspectives have formed regarding addressing the pandemic:
The first views this health threat from the prism of the economy, which will have to be supported no matter how many the victims in the meantime.
It is the choice of the states that refuse dynamic measures, even though it seems like some are rethinking this approach now. But they do not cease to treat humans as numbers that will survive in time and the so-called “herd immunity”.
The second perspective places a priority in the health of society, independent of the required cost. It recognizes that the next day will be difficult, perhaps even a nightmare.
After all, everyone speaks of “wartime conditions.” So, the economy must operate as a “wartime economy.” What we have been experiencing is not “15 days of relaxing vacation,” at the end of which we will all return to things as they were, as if nothing happened.
So, this position entails many and drastic measures. It relies on citizens’ discipline to curb the pandemic, which will have victims. However, no matter what the debris, it requires as many healthy people to rebuild.
And this exactly is my choice.
So, first and foremost is the care of people. Every Greek woman, every Greek man, every Greek child individually. For their life and health, I will take all costs!
My fellow citizens,
The government is standing up in the face of its duty. But believe me, victory will only come if all of us – every one of us individually – operate as disciplined soldiers during this “war for life.” Because the enemy is invisible and insidious. Stay safe, stay home!
Science is working hard and will finally discover the antidote to this pandemic. We will not come out of this unscathed. But we must come out stronger. With losses, yes, to our economy. But, with the strength to rebuild what was lost.
And with the values of a new social identity. Born out of emergency conditions, but that will quickly transform into the driving forces of the next day.
Above all, though, this adventure calls on us to show our individual responsibility. Our bravery and our collective vigor.
As well as our filotimo, which we so often refer to, but for which the time has come to make it a tangible daily routine.
With these tools – united and together – we will make it through. Greeks will once again be victors!
Read the Prime Minister’s address online or watch the video. (both in Greek)
