Archbishop Makarios urges for prayer, aid, more COVID-19 vaccinations as 89 new NSW cases are recorded

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Tuesday that the number of people infectious in the community with COVID-19 needs to be “as close to zero as possible” in order for Greater Sydney to exit its current lockdown. The new case numbers dropped from yesterday’s 112 to 89 local infections on Wednesday, including 30 who

The state is some way off achieving that goal: it reported 89 new local coronavirus cases today, including 30 who were in the community for at least some of their infectious period.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the premier “has clearly indicated our focus is on Fairfield Local Government area, [but] it is critical that we do not become complacent across the rest of Greater Sydney”.

A man from the Eastern Suburbs, aged in his 70s has died after contracting the virus.

Australia’s Archbishop Makarios has released a message regarding the “nightmare of the pandemic” in Australia, particularly NSW. He asked for prayer to help in the speedy recovery of those who are ill.

“Let us also pray for the repose of the soul of the first victim, for this year, with coronavirus,” he said.

In response to the economic and social consequences of the virus he has urged Greek Australians to contribute the Greek Welfare Centre of the Archdiocese, under the direction of Steve Magdas, to help staff and volunteers intensify efforts. “Anyone who requires help is encouraged to contact the Greek Welfare Centre on (02) 9516 2188 or with those who are in charge of local parishes. Furthermore, I fervently plea with all our brethren, if they are aware of anyone, be it a relative or a person from their wider social environment, who needs any kind of support, to immediately inform the Greek Welfare Centre, or their local parish, or the offices of our Holy Archdiocese,” he said.

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Archbishop Makarios urged people to “strictly  follow the instructions and guidelines of the health experts and relevant government authorities in order to tackle the pandemic as effectively as possible and to free us from the unbearable constraints as quickly as possible. I also urge, with paternal love and responsibility, if you have not already done so, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to achieve the best possible control of the pandemic. Unfortunately, Australia has one of the lowest rates of people who are vaccinated among the population compared to other countries in the world. We must not forget that vaccination constitutes an act of self-protection, but, primarily, it is an act of love and solidarity for our family, community, and the wider society to which we belong,” he said.

NSW Multiculturalism Minister Natalie Ward thanked religious and community leaders for helping to deliver the crucial stay at home message to the multicultural community.

“I want to thank all members of our community for supporting the NSW Government’s response in our fight against COVID-19.” Mrs Ward said.

“People are hearing our messages and are overwhelmingly following the restrictions.

“To ensure we are reaching as many people as possible, we have been rolling out a targeted campaign in key community languages.

“I am extremely grateful to our faith and community leaders who have been working tirelessly with us to ensure everyone in our community has access to reliable and trusted information.”

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