15-Year-Old Girl Becomes the Youngest Victim of Covid-19 in Greece

A 15-year-old girl died from Covid-19 at the local hospital of Thebes on Wednesday, becoming the youngest person in Greece to succumb to the disease.

The girl was admitted early on Wednesday to the hospital and died shortly afterward.

The mayor of Thebes, George Anastasiou, said that the girl was taken to the hospital after experiencing symptoms of the virus.

“We were informed of the tragic event and I appeal to all citizens to take great care and observe all restrictive measures,” the mayor stated to the press.

According to reports, the 15-year-old also suffered from underlying diseases.

Her mother, who is also suffering from symptoms of the coronavirus, is being treated at the ICU of Evangelismos Hospital in Athens.

Coronavirus cases skyrocket

Transmission of the coronavirus has surged in Greece over the last day, as the country recorded a stunning 1,261 cases on Tuesday, which represents 718 more than the 543 cases that were diagnosed in the country one day earlier, on Monday.

Tragically, 22 people with the virus passed away in the country over the past 24-hour period, which is 11 fewer than those recorded yesterday.

Currently, 244 patients with Covid-19 are now intubated in Greece, four fewer than those who were intubated in the country on Monday.

The incredible rise in cases in the country comes as transmission of the virus has increased by approximately 40% in Attica, home to Athens, the Greek capital.

Greece braces for third wave

Greek authorities are trying to prevent a third wave of the coronavirus as authorities confirmed the first detection of the South African variant of the virus on Sunday.

The region of Attica is of particular worry for the health authorities.

Almost on a daily basis since January 25, there are between 50 to 80 new hospital admissions of patients suffering from the disease.

There is a clear possibility that, if current trends continue, for the implementation of new, tougher measures to shield the National Health System from further stresses.

These could entail the lengthening of the traffic ban, starting at 6 p.m in Attica, with stores closing at 5 p.m. and a re-evaluation of the operation of high schools.

If the epidemiological picture deteriorates even further, there is also the possibility of a universal lockdown either in Attica or even throughout the country, as Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias hinted in comments to ANT1 TV Tuesday.

However, for the time being at least, the worst-case scenario is not on the table, with government spokesman Christos Tarantilis saying that “at this stage there is no indication of a new hard lockdown.”

He added however that the situation remains precarious.