In Greece there will be no live press conferences about the corona virus as of tomorrow. With that, the currently most popular Greek disappears from the television screen, virologist and professor Sotiris Tsiodras. He appeared on the tube as a spokesman for the Ministry of Health for 72 days.
Tsiodras, a leading Harvard-trained virologist, said goodbye emotionally at the latest press conference. “Now is the time, the situation is very good, thanks to all of you,” he said. Millions of Greeks were glued to the tube every day for months at 6:00 pm to hear Tsiodras tell them what stringent measures against the coronavirus were needed and why. With the way he did this, clearly but above all humanly, he commanded respect.
“After 4 months, it is time to gradually return to my students and patients,” said Tsiodras, who is not only a professor, but also a doctor in an Athenian hospital.
The virologist continues to lead the scientists’ advisory board, which was set up in February to advise the government on how to fight the virus.