Just when things were going well and new cases and deaths recorded were low,- we opened up the country to tourism from selected countries and eased up on some of the restrictions. Then – wham! – the stuff hits the fan! Since the end of July the number of new cases has continued to soar. And we must be clear on this: it’s no good laying the blame on tourists. Certainly, particularly on the islands, we see night clubs and beach bar clientele ignoring the safety measures imposed. But it’s mainly Greek citizens who can be seen to play a major part in this deteriorating state. At local levels we have seen parties, concerts, weddings, etc. where large crowds of young people prioritised their enjoyment and blatantly flouted what common sense demands: social-distancing and mask-wearing.
Statistics released on Wednesday 5th August suggest that tourists comprise only 10% of the Covid-19 cases announced. We’ve gone from recording the daily number of new cases on one hand, to recording figures of over 200! The average patient age has dropped from 72 to 52, and efforts to reduce both the increasing number of new cases and soaring contagion pace have caused new stricter measures to be imposed. Tourists from certain countries will be allowed entry only on production of recent negative test results, inside in all public places masks must be worn, a cap has been placed on the number of people allowed to attend social gatherings, a curfew of 11pm has been imposed on bars, restaurants and cafeterias where clients must all be seated, so that the number at such venues at one time is reduced.
As the major holiday of the Virgin Mary on August 15th fast approaches, we are in the middle of the main summer leave period. The statistics over the next few days will be monitored carefully as indicators of how we should progress. Currently it looks like lockdown may have to be imposed at local levels where incidence is high.
The situation is perilously approaching the point where it may get out of control. It is so frustrating to see the sterling work done being ruined by reckless, selfish irresponsible behaviour. Sadly, there is no therapy for stoopid!
Our response is mainly to stay at home, fully occupied with the demands of home and garden. Our pear trees have gone into super-production. I love this shot of ripening pears covered in drops of fresh-fallen rain, their blush amber contrasts with the lush green leaf. Only Mother Nature can get away with such colour combos – the red of the fragrant night flower and the regal purple of the morning glory are reminiscent of the fuchsia or ‘skoulariki’ – earring – as it is known here.
Even our modest cactus had produced delightful, delicate pink blooms, glowing in the morning sunshine. At this time of year the weather can be changeable and sudden wind gusts can send leaves cascading into the pool. Here Z fishes some out while Leondaris looks on with great interest! He sees the pool as his very own drinking vessel, though it is shared by swallows by day and bats by night.
And we greatly enjoy our produce. Here is a lunch time ouzo meze: cherry tomatoes with a zing of flavour, a salad of prosciutto (bought!) , pear and cucumber and our own version of an egg-roll filled with cream cheese and red pepper. Onion rings were caramelized first as a base for our omelette and they produced a lovely design once it was rolled up! Along with moussakas, my joint-summer favourite dish is that of stuffed tomatoes and peppers; potato wedges help keep everything upright in the baking tray and absorb flavour from the other vegetables. With a glass of chilled white wine – and Z has so far accumulated 13 boxes of the stuff in the basement to ensure a steady lockdown supply! - we enjoy our meals and put the pandemic on hold for the time being.
Kali orexi – bon appétit!
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