A bulletin from Greece: a health system under the pressure of the second COVID-19 wave

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the cascade of events since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Greece, with emphasis on the crisis' management so as to preserve the functionality of the national health system, which remains vulnerable due to the financial recession of the previous decade and chronic shortcomings. We compare and contrast the situation during the first and second epidemic wave. Understanding what possibly went wrong and when, is crucial. Such knowledge provides valuable guidance for the confrontation of the strong second wave that we are currently facing in Europe and other regions around the globe, as well as for the future waves that may follow.

Appraisal of a Contact Tracing Training Program for COVID-19 in Greece Focusing on Vulnerable Populations

“…The experience from the COVID-19 pandemic thus far has shown the importance of primary prevention measures in mitigating the effects of communicable diseases. In addition to contact tracing, these primary prevention measures require long-term strategic planning and the strengthening of primary health care services in order to withstand the pressure from epidemic waves [50].…”

“…A total of 27.7% of participants (31) were employed in hospitals, 17.9% (20) in NGOs, 44.6% (50) in Primary Health Care units and municipalities, and 9.8% (11) in reception and identification refugee Camps. Regarding their working experiences, 54.4% were employed in their current position for up to three years, whereas 45.5% were employed for over three years.…”

Knowledge and Perceptions about COVID-19 among Health Care Workers: Evidence from COVID-19 Hospitals during the Second Pandemic Wave

“…This more individualized approach could allow for interventions, such as educational activities towards the groups that require them the most, in order to improve infection control practices and increase knowledge regarding COVID-19. Interestingly, the less fear of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 in the hospitals of Heraklion and Thessaloniki does not correlate to the local trends of the pandemic, since, the second wave of the pandemic (during which, this study was performed), involved the northern part of Greece, including Thessaloniki [ 27 , 28 , 29 ].…”

Editorial on Psychological distress in the Greek general population during the first COVID-19 lockdown

“…It would be interesting to observe how perceptions across the Greek population may have subsequently changed over the course of the pandemic, as COVID-19-related cases and deaths rose during the second wave in autumn 2020, and adherence with the protective measures may have proved more challenging with time, and in the case of some, associated economic hardship. 8 …”