Greece reported its first coronavirus case in Thessaloniki, according to numerous reports by government agencies outlined in a story by Kathimerini.
Authorities announced that a 38-year-old female patient had recently traveled from an area of northern Italy.
Her family and others with whom she had direct contact will enter a quarantine for approximately 14 days. The patient is receiving treatment at the AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki.
In a tweet, Central Macedonia Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas said authorities were operating with “restraint and determination.”
Speaking to the press, the Health Ministry’s committee of experts on contagious diseases, Dimitris Tsiodras, stressed that most cases of the coronavirus are mild. He urged the public to observe hygiene rules as recommended.
The news comes as the coronavirus crisis deepens in Europe, with Italy confirming its 12th death since last week’s surge in diagnoses.
Greek health officials will hold an emergency meeting chaired by Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias in Athens.
Prior to the announcement of the first case in Greece, authorities outlined measures that the country would take in the event of a mass outbreak, including shutdowns of public areas and travel restrictions.
The measures, according to Kathimerini, were outlined in a legislative act and would include temporary travel bans to and from countries with a high number of infections and the addition of beds to be requisitioned in hotels and private clinics where patients could be treated.
The government’s plan also calls for the temporary closure of “enclosed public gathering areas” such as schools, universities, places of worship, theaters, cinemas and sports and arts venues.
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