A sharp increase in severe COVID-19 cases in hospitals, along with a surge in requests for at-home antiviral treatments, is evident from data provided by the Ministry of Health.

The low vaccination coverage against COVID-19 among the elderly and vulnerable populations, combined with waning immunity from previous infections, is now reflected in the “hard indicators” of the current epidemic wave that has surged in recent weeks. Hospitalizations have tripled since early April, while daily admissions of patients with severe COVID-19 infections have increased sixfold during the same period.

In the past 24 hours alone, at least 73 patients were admitted to clinics or COVID-19 units. Currently, 304 individuals are hospitalized across various facilities.

“The rise in COVID-19 infections is evident from the requests received by the relevant committee for at-home antiviral treatment,” explains Professor Stelios Loukides, head of the committee responsible for antiviral approvals, in an interview with ygeiamou.gr. “Ten days ago, we were receiving 40 requests per day; since the beginning of the week, we are getting over 200 daily.” Professor Loukides emphasizes that COVID-19 transmission does not follow a seasonal pattern, and the previous surge post-holiday season provided some immunity to the population, which has now significantly diminished, leading to a new wave of infections. “Crowded gatherings, travel, and outings, combined with zero protection against the virus, have resulted in what we see now – many cases, with several severe ones, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable,” he adds.

The Outbreak at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica

While major hospitals in the country report fewer than 10 hospitalized COVID-19 patients each, one institution is notably struggling with an internal outbreak. The Psychiatric Hospital of Attica (ΨΝΑ) reported at least 47 infected patients as of yesterday, with 10 new cases identified that day alone.

Just two and a half months ago, the total number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients did not exceed 80, and single-digit admissions were recorded. At the end of March, there were only seven admissions nationwide. Furthermore, in mid-March, the director of the Evangelismos hospital announced for the first time since the pandemic began in February 2020, that a shift ended without any new COVID-19 patient admissions.

Health and scientific authorities had anticipated this epidemic surge. The previous wave started in mid-January, peaked for many, and subsided in March. After a few weeks of respite, the new outbreak has emerged.

Nine out of Ten Over 60 Are Unvaccinated

It is reminded that annual vaccination with updated COVID-19 vaccines is necessary for the elderly, similar to the seasonal flu shot. However, despite the recent pandemic experiences, the goal of annual booster doses for vulnerable groups is not being met.

Despite strict recommendations from experts, the elderly and vulnerable remain unprotected, making them easy targets for COVID-19, which continues to circulate mildly but causes significant health burdens in this demographic group.

According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), from September 1, 2023, to April 15, 2024, only 7.1% of individuals aged 60-69 received the COVID-19 vaccine.

For the 70-79 age group, the vaccination rate was 11.6%, and for those over 80, it was 8.8%. Notably, the vaccination rate among healthcare professionals in Greece remains remarkably low at just 4.4%.