ATHENS, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas on Thursday expressed Greece's gratitude to China for the aid provided to the country in the ongoing battle against the novel coronavirus epidemic.
Greece has so far reported 22 fatalities and 821 confirmed infections, while 134 patients were hospitalized, including 53 in serious condition.
"While there is a 'war' raging in the world market over the supply of emergency materials, the Ministry of Health has proceeded to procurement procedures for all the necessary personal protective equipment, consumables and other supplies," he told a regular press briefing here.
"Last Saturday, our country received significant medical supplies donated, at our urgent request, by the Chinese government, as well as additional medical supplies of approximately 10 tons donated by Chinese companies. We note that significant donations have also been made by Greeks. We thank the government of China and all those present who support the common struggle," the Greek official said.
A total of 18 tons of aid were transferred to Athens on an Air China flight in one more demonstration of the deep friendship between the two nations, as Greek and Chinese officials noted.
Asked by Xinhua whether Greece has any shortage at the moment regarding diagnostic tests for the virus, Petsas said: "we cannot talk about shortages at the moment. We know that our recommendation is that the tests should be done in cases where these tests are needed. We are slowly expanding them ... This is what we will continue to do."
The Greek official appeared optimistic that Greece does not face the most adverse scenario at the moment.
"We are closely monitoring the development of the coronavirus. At the moment ... the response is quite satisfactory. The preventive measures we have taken have been decisive in this direction," he said, responding to Xinhua.
Greece has been in a two-week nationwide lockdown since Monday as part of measures to control the further spread of the coronavirus.
Citizens leaving their homes to go to work, to see a doctor, to help a person in need should carry a certificate.
Over the past three weeks, the government has gradually shut down schools, universities, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping malls, retail shops, sports and culture centers, public parks and banned air, sea and road connections with many countries.
During Thursday's press briefing, Petsas also referred to the financial aspect of the management of the crisis amid reports in several local media that private hospitals, clinics and medical centers overcharge citizens who wish to get tested.
"Regarding tests, based on a forthcoming regulation, it will be foreseen that the initial compensation price of 85 euros in private laboratories will be gradually reduced to 65 euros depending on the quantity of tests carried out," the official stressed.
