Greece was one of the first countries globally that introduced restrictive measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. It has been held up as an excellent example on how to handle the crises.   

The Soma Hellinon Proskopon (Scouts of Greece) was one of the first that suggested it’s members should stay home safely and continued to organize activities through digital tools.  

Scouts of Greece joined the efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and kept Greek Scouts safe with DOCANDU, a startup based in London that was founded by Dr Petros Pandis in Imperial College London. DOCANDU was founded based on research published in several of the biggest health magazines such as NEJM, BJM, LANCET, and JAMA. Behind the application there is a team of doctors and scientists in Greece, United Kingdom and Germany and it is based on breakthrough health research and knowledge of COVID-19. 

The Greek Scouts can easily access the free test on the website of Soma Hellinon Proskopon and answer a number of questions about the symptoms as well as the social interactions of the person. The system will then inform the user if he or she belongs to a sensitive group and didn’t know that in advance as well as if there is a high possibility to have been infected by coronavirus. In the latter case the application connects him with a doctor of DOCANDU for additional help and advice. This not only helps each person to gain good knowledge about his health, but also saves precious space and resources in the already heavily overloaded hospitals around the country. 

This is only the latest of the actions that Greek Scouts have implemented to keep their members not only safe at home but also active and fully prepared against the crisis. Last month age group focused activities were published. We also organized blood donations and provided support to vulnerable members of the local society by delivering food and other essentials from pharmacies to their doorstep. Drawing and photographic online competitions were held which led to the creation of beautiful cards that were given as a gift of gratitude to the doctors in many hospitals in Athens that are spending numerous hours of the day helping patients in need.

Greek summer is already here and naturally the glorious weather makes it even more difficult for everyone to stay home. However once the crisis is behind us people will appreciate each other more than ever and will undoubtedly have learned important lessons.    

Scouts of Greece using their creativity are supporting the local society in their hour of need, as ever giving joy and strength thus helping everyone to cope with the crisis in the best possible way.   

Stay Safe – Stay Home