How Greece flattened the coronavirus curve - An early lockdown has meant Greece is only using a tenth of its ICU beds.

Al Jazeera ^ | 7 Apr 2020 | John Psaropoulos

[Cronos]

Greeks quickly put their revolutionary spirit aside, however, and largely heeded government advice to remain indoors. The result has been a remarkably low number of deaths - 81 by Tuesday, compared to more than 17,000 in neighbouring Italy. Even adjusted for population sizes, Italy's fatality rate is almost 40 times greater.

Compared with other European Union members, too, Greece has fared better. Its fatalities are far lower than in Belgium (2,035) or the Netherlands (1,867), which have similar populations, but a much higher gross domestic product (GDP).

.."Our schools closed before we had the first fatality. Most countries followed a week or two later, after they had mourned the loss of dozens," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.

.. "We want to show that Greece is a serious country. We want people to say that Greece handled this well," Patelis says. "If we succeed, it will have a multiplier effect on our reputation. Greece emerged from a 10-year economic crisis with its credibility crippled, and we want to get past being labelled as the black sheep of Europe."

..Greece may now have scored two bull's eyes in winning back its reputation.

[Cronos]

Good work Greece!

[Rockingham]

I get your meaning, but Greece’s fundamental problem is that burdened by the local brand of socialism and endemic corruption, too many Greeks habitually spend too much time not working. The coronavirus simply gives Greece a new reason to excel at what she does well — not working.

[Hieronymus]

he coronavirus simply gives Greece a new reason to excel at what she does well — not working.

---

Yes, but they are very good at it, and for once, it has proved useful.. Moreover, the virus can’t do too much damage to their economy, just as it can’t swamp the NK healthcare system.

[Cronos]

That’s funny :) though it seems that besides not working, they stuck at home and didn’t go out and mingle (which they like to do)

[Cronos]

Moreover, the virus can’t do too much damage to their economy,

A large chunk of their economy is based on foreign tourists -- that is gone for the next few months, especially the key summer months. Why do you say "the virus can’t do too much damage to their economy,"?

[seastay]

When you have a failed economy like Greece nobody leaves their home anyhow, even before this .. so yea

[Hieronymus]

It’s a joke based on a slight exaggeration of the facts—

the NK health care system can’t be overwhelmed because it doesn’t exist; Greece’s economy can’t collapse because it doesn’t have one.

In reality if you are pretty far down you can’t fall that far.

[Rockingham]

To the Greeks’ credit, they are genuinely family-oriented. At least for a few weeks, spending more time with family will make the coronavirus pandemic seem like a new holiday and a break from the rigors of the time and effort they expend in avoiding work.

[mewzilla]

This interesting, on colchicine ...

Greek trial into Covid-19 treatment ‘very encouraging,’ scientist says

[Vision]

Greeks quickly put their revolutionary spirit aside.

LOL. Why post Al Jazeera?

[Rockingham]

Better yet, as a nation of retainer men living in a suddenly shuttered tourist venue, the Greeks have good reason to insist that Germany up their national allowance. The telephone pitch call would be fun to hear, and it is easy to imagine at least the Greek side of the conversation.

"Angela, this is Kyriakos."

"Mitsotakis, Angela. Do you know another Greek Prime Minister with the first name Kyriakos?"

"Yes, Angela, I am calling about money, and yes, we do need more of it."

"Well, as a matter of fact, it is Germany's fault, specifically, for not sending enough tourists this winter due to that Chinese virus. We are the victim here, a victim of larger and wealthier nations."

"Oh, about another three billion euros this year, and yes, that will keep us in the EU and using the Euro. We may need more though, so keep me on your call list."

[Cronos]

well, in general their opinion pieces are, ahem, bad. But this one wasn’t. Know thy enemy is my motto :)

[MuttTheHoople]

But also look at the climate. Warm, sunny,

[Rockingham]

Interesting. Colchicine can have some nasty side effects and can even be lethal. Like most other useful drugs against COVID-19, it has anti-inflammatory effects. That adds to evidence that targeting dysregulation of the immune system may be an effective strategy against the virus.

[mewzilla]

Wonder if the Greeks are using Trump pills...?

[Cronos]

True, and the southern, hotter parts of Italy also have low rates.

[elcid1970]

That dialogue should include,

“Angela, do you Germans remember what you did to Greece during WWII? We haven’t forgotten and you still owe us.”

(Look up Axis occupation of Greece. Seriously.)

[Rockingham]

A series of treaties and proclamations supposedly long ago settled Germany's obligations from WW II toward Greece. Like a bad marriage though, the EU provides an opportunity to refresh old grievances every time there is a new spat. And the Greeks do have reason to think that Germany and the EU owe them for past sins and as a contribution toward Greece's ongoing role as a European frontier state. Moreover, the Euro was contrived at a valuation and with rules that entrenched Germany's status as an economic power. If Germany wants to keep the Eurozone as her economic satrapy, she must pay for the privilege.

[MuttTheHoople]

I believe that, by the 4th of July, the Chicom Cooties will have gone the way of Y2K and the Hitler Diaries.

[elcid1970]

I’ve often heard the Euro referred to as the Deutsche Mark under an assumed name.

How does Germany go on being “Europe’s economic powerhouse” when it’s overrun with Muslim savages, with more on the way?