People Who Stayed Outside to Be Beside Us

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People Who Stayed Outside to Be Beside Us

Photographer: Yannis Kolesidis

 

Ever since the COVID-19 disease caused by the new coronavirus knocked on the door of our country, Greece, with the announcement of the first confirmed case, our daily life has radically changed. 

We’ve acquired new habits, we’ve even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we’re wearing face masks, we’ve filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and – most importantly – we’ve learned to ‘Stay Home.’ 

But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who do leave their homes, risking their health so that the rest of us stay healthy and remain safely inside. People whose profession, conscience and sense of responsibility do not let them stay confined within the security that their houses provide.

People like intensive care professor George Dimopoulos and cardiologist Dimitris Konstantonis, who refuse to be defeated by the pandemic. They fight alongside nurses such as Taiba Riaz, Maria Tsamouri and Ioanna Moskofi every day at the Attikon Reference Hospital to help patients overcome COVID-19. 

Hospital catering assistant Eleni Griva describes meal time as the happiest moment of the day for patients, because they feel that they are not alone – that someone cares for them. 

Konstantina Papachristodoulou, an emergency worker for the National Center for Emergency Assistance, rejects the ‘hero’ label that is often appended to those in her profession. She simply does what she loves the most: her job. 

Trolleybus driver George Koufopoulos felt incredibly lonely on Easter Sunday when he made two consecutive trips without any passengers in a deserted Athens. As he drove through the empty streets of the Hellenic capital, he was internally begging for someone to hop on and break the deafening silence. 

Giannis Mentzos, a cameraman for the state broadcaster, made a conscious decision not to abuse the special-purpose permit he had been given so he could fulfil his mission of informing the public.

Like them, there are countless pharmacists, police officers, bakers, supermarket staff, municipal cleaners, metro drivers and delivery workers who stepped outside their abodes and plunged themselves into the frightening outdoors to do their jobs.

Metro train driver Alexandros Barbounis, 36, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture inside the train cockpit, during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Athens, Greece, 22 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyo

Metro train driver Alexandros Barbounis, 36, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture inside the train cockpit, during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Athens, Greece, 22 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS 

Baker Spiros Achmeti, 41, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as he makes bread during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at his bakery in the suburb of Kalyvia south of Athens, Greece, 13 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does n

Baker Spiros Achmeti, 41, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as he makes bread during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at his bakery in the suburb of Kalyvia south of Athens, Greece, 13 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS 

Police officer Stergios Kakarotzas, 28, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture in front of the parliament building during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in central Athens, Greece, 12 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not ap

Police officer Stergios Kakarotzas, 28, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture in front of the parliament building during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in central Athens, Greece, 12 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS

Pharmacist Labros kouris, 42, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture inside his pharmacy, during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in the suburb of Kalyvia south of Athens, Greece, 10 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not appl

Pharmacist Labros kouris, 42, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture inside his pharmacy, during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in the suburb of Kalyvia south of Athens, Greece, 10 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS 

Medical staff Eleni Griva, 51, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as she delivers lunch for patients affected by COVID-19, during the country lockdown, at Attikon hospital in Athens, Greece, 15 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone

Medical staff Eleni Griva, 51, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as she delivers lunch for patients affected by COVID-19, during the country lockdown, at Attikon hospital in Athens, Greece, 15 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS 

Municipal workers Panagiotis Mpakoulas, 55, wearing a protective suit poses for a picture as he sprays disinfectant during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, outside a church in central Athens, Greece, 02 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply t

Municipal workers Panagiotis Mpakoulas, 55, wearing a protective suit poses for a picture as he sprays disinfectant during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, outside a church in central Athens, Greece, 02 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS

Nurses Taiba-Naz Riaz (L), Maria Tsamouri (C) and Ioardana Moskofi (R), behind the window which separates the intensive care unit, touch the hands of intensive care unit doctors Dimitris Konstantonis (L) and Giorgos Dimopoulos (not pictured), as they pose for a picture, during the country lockdown, at Attikon hospital one of the main hubs treating Covid19 patients in Athens, Greece, 15 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from ou

Nurses Taiba-Naz Riaz (L), Maria Tsamouri (C) and Ioardana Moskofi (R), behind the window which separates the intensive care unit, touch the hands of intensive care unit doctors Dimitris Konstantonis (L) and Giorgos Dimopoulos (not pictured), as they pose for a picture, during the country lockdown, at Attikon hospital one of the main hubs treating Covid19 patients in Athens, Greece, 15 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS

Supermarket employee Athina Spyropoulou, 29, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as he sits at the store cashier during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in the suburb of Chalandri north of Athens, Greece, 23 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay h

Supermarket employee Athina Spyropoulou, 29, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as he sits at the store cashier during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in the suburb of Chalandri north of Athens, Greece, 23 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS 

Delivery company employee Andreas Porfyris, 25, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture at the empty road in front of the ancient monument of Hadrian's Arch, during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in central Athens, Greece, 25 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we le

Delivery company employee Andreas Porfyris, 25, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture at the empty road in front of the ancient monument of Hadrian's Arch, during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in central Athens, Greece, 25 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS

Rescuers Konstantina Papachristodoulou (L), 39, and Thomas Koulakiotis (R), 48, wearing protective suits pose for a picture as they sit inside an ambulance, during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at the headquarter of National Center for Emergency Assistance in Athens, Greece, 11 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sp

Rescuers Konstantina Papachristodoulou (L), 39, and Thomas Koulakiotis (R), 48, wearing protective suits pose for a picture as they sit inside an ambulance, during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at the headquarter of National Center for Emergency Assistance in Athens, Greece, 11 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS

Camera operator Giannis Mentzos, 49, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as he films a news anchor during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at the headquarters of state broadcaster ERT in Athens, Greece, 25 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay hom

Camera operator Giannis Mentzos, 49, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as he films a news anchor during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at the headquarters of state broadcaster ERT in Athens, Greece, 25 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS

Trolleybus driver Giorgos Koufopoulos, 45, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as he drives his vehicle in front of the Athens Academy building during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in central Athens, Greece, 23 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to '

Trolleybus driver Giorgos Koufopoulos, 45, wearing a protective face mask and gloves poses for a picture as he drives his vehicle in front of the Athens Academy building during the lockdown of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in central Athens, Greece, 23 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS 

A combination of pictures of Greek citizens portraits from different professions, who stayed outside during the lockdown of the country risking their health so that all the rest people can stay healthy and safe at home, Greece, 28 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply t

A combination of pictures of Greek citizens portraits from different professions, who stayed outside during the lockdown of the country risking their health so that all the rest people can stay healthy and safe at home, Greece, 28 April 2020. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, we acquired new habits, we even distanced ourselves from our loved ones, we wore masks, we filled our pockets with antiseptic wipes and sprays and most importantly, we learned to 'Stay home'. But this does not apply to everyone. There are some citizens who are staying out risking their health so that we can all stay healthy and safe at home. People whose profession, conscience and responsibility that weighs on them, does not allow to perch in the security that their house provides them.  EPA-EFE/YANNIS KOLESIDIS