News in brief
Italian officials have cut short the Venice Carnival, closed schools, universities and museums in 12 northern cities, as they try to control what is now the worst outbreak of the coronavirus in Europe.
Italy has by far the highest number of cases in Europe, with more than 150. Four people have died so far.
In neighboring Austria, a train from Venice was stopped for 4 hours at the Austrian border after it emerged that two passengers had fever symptoms. Austria’s Interior Minister later confirmed that the pair tested negative for coronavirus.
The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus has risen to 2,465 worldwide. There are at least 78,800 cases globally, and 23 deaths outside mainland China.
Minister of Health Vasilis Kikilias is currently meeting with the Prime Minister, to brief him on measures needed to be taken to tackle a possible crisis, after the recent outbreak in Italy. Ministers of Transporation, Citizen protetion, Education and other relevant officials also join the meeting.
All health authorities in Greece – including hospitals, health centers and the EKAV ambulance service – are on the alert.
Students from ten schools -currently visiting Italy -are expected to return but will not be placed in quarantine, the government decided.
The Ministry of Education further announced that no more excursions to Italy will take place for the time being.
The protected witnesses into the Novartis case, known by the nick-names Maximos Sarafis and Ekaterini Kelesi, are expected to testify this afternoon.
The construction of new closed-type migrant centers on the islands of Lesvos, Chios and Samos commences today.
The mayors of Samos have called for rallies as of this Wednesday. Migration and Asylum Policy Minister Notis Mitarakis seems determined to handle the crisis. He also made a commitment for the repatriation of 200 migrants per week.
US President Donald Trump arrived to a massive public reception after he landed in India for his first official visit.
Trump’s visit will focus on deepening ties between the world’s two largest democracies.
And the weather forecast…
Sunny in Attica this morning with the temperature expected to reach a maximum of 19 degrees Celsius.
More news in brief tomorrow morning at 9
