Health authorities in Greece announced on Tuesday that 355 deaths from Covid-19 were registered in the week 25-31 July. This represents a significant increase from the previous week’s 271 virus-related deaths.
The National Organization for Public Health (EODY) said that there is a ratio of 34 deaths per 1 mln people (weekly change: +21%), bringing the total of pandemic victims since the pandemic began to 31,377.
Of the people who died, 95.8% had an underlying condition and/or were aged 70 or above.
EODY also confirmed 122,230 new coronavirus cases in the week of July 25-31. This is equivalent to 11,716 coronavirus cases per 1 mln people during that week (weekly change: -11%), with 20% of the weekly new infections being reinfections.
All confirmed infections since the pandemic began are 4,474,616.
A total of 138 patients were on ventilators in hospitals on July 31. Their median age is 69 years and 92.8 pct have an underlying condition and/or are aged 70 or over.
In addition, 2,558 Covid-19 patients were admitted to the hospital during the same week, with 2,219 discharged during the same week of July 25-31.
Greece is hit by the BA.5 subvariant of Covid
Greece is currently hit by the spread of the most contagious wave of Covid-19. The BA.5 subvariant of the Omicron strand is transmitted rapidly and has strong symptoms.
Even though fully vaccinated, one can be infected with serious symptoms, including being put on ventilators.
Covid prevention drug available in Greece
Greece officially launched on Monday an online platform taking applications for the Evusheld drug that helps prevent Covid-19 in people who are at risk.
According to Greece’s Health Ministry, the monoclonal antibody medicine developed by AstraZeneca, which has been approved by the European Medicines Agency is now available at hospitals.
The medicine is approved for adults and adolescents from twelve years of age, weighing at least forty kilograms, who have compromised immune systems and are also at risk of side effects from the Covid-19 vaccine.
Evusheld’s effectiveness has been clearly demonstrated, and it stands up to all versions of the omicron variant.
Most of all, the prophylactic power of the injected antibody is tailor-made for a large and underserved patient population—the immunocompromised who can’t get adequate protection from vaccines.
In the US, where the therapy was authorized for emergency use in December of last year, AstraZeneca sold $556 million of Evusheld in the first six months of the year.
Related: Greece Under Fire for Recommending 2nd COVID-19 Booster for 30+
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