For the first time in the two years since the start of the pandemic, we shall be celebrating Easter without harsh public health restrictions.

Nonetheless, as experts continually stress, that does not mean that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. The virus is still here and the currently prevalent variant has been described as the most transmissible to date.

The very high number of infections proves that each and every one of us must be vigilant, and we must all take part in the effort to combat COVID-19.

It is absolutely necessary to religiously implement the public health measures that remain in effect. We must follow the advice of experts to wear masks in situations where there is crowding, both indoors and outdoors, in order to avert a surge of infections after Greek Orthodox Easter (24 April).

It is equally important for citizens who are 60-years-old and over, for whom the appointments platform opened on 14 April, to hasten to get their fourth jab.

Vaccines save lives, and that, for every prudent and informed individual, has become patently obvious over the last year.

The elderly are more vulnerable, but the fourth dose can protect them effectively.

The vaccine is still our most powerful weapon in our continuing battle against COVID-19.

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