Editorial Ta Nea: Trial

No one was surprised by the first coronavirus cases in Greece.

In a world in which countries are ever more closely linked and with neighbouring Italy developing into the China of Europe it was simply a matter of time for cases of a rapidly developing virus with incidence in many countries to arrive in Greece.

The discovery of the first cases – and the others that will certainly follow – constitutes a trial that transcends both the afflicted and the National Health System.

More generally the appearance of the virus will be a difficult test for the state’s infrastructure and for the professionalism and readiness of state functionaries and officials.

More generally the appearance of the virus will be a difficult test for the state’s infrastructure and for the professionalism and readiness of state functionaries and officials. and to follow the recommendations and instructions of authorities.

The stance of citizens, however, will be largely determined by the effectiveness of competent authorities.

If the state fails to rise to the occasion society will certainly panic as insecurity and the fear that things may spin out of control will predominate.

Consequently it is imperative for the state to successfully handle this difficult trial.

The appearance of the coronavirus will test the efficiency of the state which in turn will determine the necessary social cohesion.