Coronavirus pandemic has brought with it a worldwide public health crisis, a global economic upheaval and a widespread uncertainty. The virus and the transformative events that accompany it will likely change our habits, financial choices, lifestyle and even cultural identity forever.
Forcing people to stay at home in unprecedented numbers and to limit even essential activities in the name of social distance, the virus is having a deep impact also on our psychological welfare and social identity. If on the one hand self-isolation at home with our families has reminded us that our dear ones are what really matters and that we should enjoy the simple things despite whatever fear we may feel, on the other hand the limitation of our individual freedom and job uncertainties are heavy burdens.
Greece reacted quickly and firmly to the first Covid-19 cases in the country and with its proactive and strict limitations effectively slowed the spread of the disease and kept the number of deaths among the lowest in Europe. Nonetheless, pandemic will severely affect its stability in many ways and, in particular, will hit the islands’ major source of economic welfare, the market of tourism.
What is it like to live on a Greek paradise island like Kefalonia at times of Coronavirus?
Well, it is probably as stressing and troubling as it is in a big European city.
If a good climate and a privileged scenery out of the window certainly help to keep your spirits high, Greece is confronting, like almost all other countries in the world, the coronavirus crisis with a shutdown unseen in living memory. For a people as lively, friendly, hospitable and tied to the traditions as the Greek one, the prohibition on moving around and meeting friends in coffee bars, going to the beach and celebrating Orthodox Easter together with family and friends is really hard to observe.
The consequences of a lethargic touristic season obviously represent a second major concern for all those who run a tourist activity or simply work seasonally. An additional source of worry is the inadequate healthcare offered by islands’ structures. Even if hospital staff is generally highly trained and more than willing to assist patients, on most islands hospitals lack of an intensive care department and of the equipment which is fundamental to face such an emergency efficiently.
Despite these concerns, limitations and uncertainties about the future, living on a Greek island in times of Coronavirus is the best thing that could happen to us and our children.
It’s not just about having a little house with a garden to play and enjoy the sun and living in a secluded village which allows peaceful walks in isolation. It’s about the Greeks, their culture and myths, their spirit of philotimo (ones responsibility to always act in accordance with righteousness and honour).
I have recently read on social medias an enthusiastic post (written by a foreigner) about the respect of rules which essentially characterizes the Greek people. According to the author of the post, it was this diligence which saved Greece from the extensive diffusion of Covid-19. I couldn’t help smiling while thinking about the “elastic” interpretations of rules we experience in our everyday life in Kefalonia.
In a very beautiful article, the Greek Reporter suggests that the ancient respect for health is helping modern Greeks face Coronavirus. Not their blind obedience to rules and their unfortunate recent habit to deprivations, but the respect for health which goes back to the worship of Hygieia (goddess of health, cleanliness and personal hygiene), their love for life, their veneration of family as an institution. When pandemic threatened their very lives and the lives of their family members, traditional values kept the Greeks at home.
In a world which is rapidly changing and abandoning its frantic rhythms, the ancient values of self-respect, honour and social responsibility are a guide to the future. Living in Greece reminds us once again that we are, first of all, humans and that we should live more for today and worry little about tomorrow.
If you want to read more about Greece and Covid-19, here are some interesting sources:
Governmental dispatches about Covid-19
https://eody.gov.gr/en/covid-19/
Ancient Respect for Health Helps Modern Greeks Face Coronavirus
(https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/04/17/ancient-respect-for-health-helps-modern-greeks-face-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR0Iq9b9NxzM6qXzdsBlLEo5LZ0sezcvWguyFUhViU2Ufpz5BJSsAvYGQME)