Hospital admissions due to Covid doubled since end-May

The number of people admitted to hospital and subsequently diagnosed as having Covid-19 has almost doubled since the end of May, reversing the trend seen during the same period in 2023, epidemiology professor and member of the National Public Health Organisation scientific committee Gkikas Magiorkinis said on Saturday, talking to journalist Tania Mantouvalou on the ANA radio station 'Praktoreio FM'.

He noted that this rise in numbers had come four to five weeks later during the summer of 2023, indicating that circulation of the virus might continue to rise, while pointing out that it was too soon to draw any firm conclusions.
"We do not, however, expect anything dramatic that will put pressure on the health system," he added.

Magiorkinis noted that existence of new FLiRT strains of the virus that are more easily transmitted in outdoor areas, noting that those with greater vulnerability should take precautions in crowded areas, test when they develop symptoms and promptly seek treatment with antiviral medication.

He said that Covid-19 remained the most significant infection that exists at this time and those in vulnerable groups, including persons aged over 60-65, are advised to get an annual booster shot, in some cases even two. For those without health problems who are under 60 there is no recommendation to get a booster shot, he added.