Summer heatwaves this year break new records

The heatwave recorded this summer between July 28 and August 5 was a record-breaker in terms of duration and temperatures, according to a study by the National Meteorological Service.

The study divides the nine-day heatwave into two phases, the first from July 28-31 and the second from August 1-5. Very high temperatures were recorded during the first phase, but the maximums remained below the July records.

As the days went by the temperatures rose, with the result that in the first five days of August the maximum temperatures exceeded or approached the absolute maximum temperatures for August in several areas.

Record highs of August were recorded mainly in Serres (43.4C vs a previous 43.3C), Thessaloniki (40.5C vs 40.4C), Astros (45C vs 42.2C), Lamia (45.4C vs 43.8C), Elliniko (43C vs 41.8C), Elefsina (44.8C vs 43.5C), Argos (46.3C vs 43.2C), Kalamata (43.2C vs 41.4C) and Nea Philadelphia (45.3C vs 43.6C).

Uncertainty over reopening of schools

The educational system has never faced the kind of operational uncertainty it has faced in the last 20 months. A few weeks from the beginning of the scholastic year, heads of schools, parents, and teachers are baffled by the educational authorities’ lack of clear guidelines.

Admittedly the development of COVID-19 remains unpredictable with the consequence that the health authorities often have to reverse decisions aimed at accelerating the return to normality. No one can seriously challenge the concept that the government should give safety the highest consideration when issuing public health directives.

 

However, the long-term effects of preventing students from returning to the classroom after almost two years of disrupted teaching methods must never be underestimated. Students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction in autumn is also a priority.

The scant information coming from the education authorities indicates that post-secondary students will return to in-person learning in September. The majority of these students have been vaccinated, and as such, they present a lower risk of getting seriously ill if they contract COVID-19.

However, primary and secondary schools are likely to operate similarly to last year. This means mandatory indoor mask-wearing for all students, staff, teachers and visitors to primary and secondary schools regardless of vaccination status. It also means that the concept of the bubble will still be observed to prevent unnecessary contact.

 

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese launches donation campaign for fire victims

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has launched a donation campaign to support the victims of the massive wildfires in Greece.

The Archdiocese will be holding a second collection on Sunday at their more than 500 churches across the US to raise money to support those affected.​​

Anti-vax teachers to face salary cut, suspension

Educators who refuse to be vaccinated or to undergo regular testing for Covid-19 before going back to class will face a salary cut and other disciplinary measures under a joint ministerial decision that is currently in the pipeline, Kathimerini understands. 

Moderna to Use mRNA Technology Against Flu, HIV, and Cancer

Moderna, the Cambridge, Massachusetts based biotechnology firm, has had a remarkable year, rising from obscurity to giving the world the second vaccine against the coronavirus; now it will weaponize the same mRNA technology against HIV, cancer and other maladies that plague mankind.

Meze: Small Greek Dishes that are Perfect for Food Lovers

In Greece great food isn’t hard to come by; however, have you ever considered making a meal out of delicious Greek meze, or small plates, and accompanied by the perfect complimentary Greek drink?

Meze, or mezedes in the plural, can offer you a variety of creative little dishes, so you can get a taste of everything. Just think of it as tapas, Greek style!

Meze is found throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa, and while there are many similarities across cultures, there are many mezedes that are completely unique to Greece.

Unvaccinated Teachers Must Show Negative Tests to Enter Schools in Greece

the development of wine tourism

SKY express Names Airbus A320neo After Thessaloniki

One of SKY express’ new Airbus A320neo aircraft is now carrying the name “My Thessaloniki” to all the domestic and international destinations it flies to.

The aircraft, which is among the six new Airbus A320neo recently acquired by the Greek airline company, was formally named on Tuesday by Greek Transport Minister Costas Karamanlis during a ceremony at Thessaloniki International Airport “Makedonia”.

Greek metalworking firm offers workers cash bonus for Covid-19 vaccinations

 

A Greek metalworking company is offering workers a 500 euro ($593) bonus to get vaccinated against Covid-19, worried that fresh infections could derail a boom in orders as the economy starts to pick up following the first wave of the pandemic.

Cosmos Aluminium in the central city of Larissa, which employs around 180 workers, has seen a surge in orders since the start of the year and fears that having to shut down production for even a day would push it off track.

“It would be a catastrophe,” said company vice president Yannis Kantonias.

 

The move, in line with a government push to speed up vaccinations as the more contagious Delta variant of the virus has spread, underlines the challenges companies are facing as they try to keep up with buoyant demand as economies recover.

On Friday, the Greek statistics agency reported that industrial production jumped 14% in May as the economy gained speed after last year’s imposed shut-down.

Cosmos, which mainly serves markets outside Greece, had introduced a range of precautions, with workers standing at safe distances apart but found that a significant number were sceptical about getting vaccinated.