Cultural responses to the COVID-19 crisis in Greece: The first wave (March–May 2020)

Abstract

This article examines cultural responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece during the first wave in spring 2020 approaching such responses not only as resulting from the fear of the virus but also as outcomes of larger historical processes. Analysing media material, surveys and discourses by politicians and health specialists the article argues that although Greece had a limited number of cases, most Greeks embraced the lockdown seeing COVID-19 as a threat. The government’s communication strategy highlighted popular values such as family and downplayed the class dimensions of the pandemic. This strategy proved effective and increased the popularity of the government and health experts at that stage.