The Impact of the Pandemic on the Greek Constitution

This chapter discusses the main legal problems Greece faced during the various phases of the COVID-19 crisis. The impact of the pandemic on the protection of civil rights seems to be lasting and nefarious. Fundamental rights were subject to unprecedented restrictions for the sake of public health, without any effective judicial protection. Free movement, the right of assembly, religious liberty, freedom of speech, economic liberty, and ultimately personal autonomy limited by compulsory vaccination, were regulated exhaustively by detailed and intrusive administrative rules and prohibitions. Moreover, the pandemic put under great pressure the existing framework for the constitutional protection of fundamental rights where the principle of proportionality is the cornerstone of judicial review. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Assessing the impact on freight transport and treating uncertainty in freight transport modelling in the Covid pandemic: the case of Greece

This paper contains an investigation of the COVID-19 impacts on freight flows and the handling of uncertainty in freight forecasting models, based on data from Greece. It collects and analyses, over a 7-year period before and during the pandemic, data for freight transport operations and some related factors in order to macroscopically examine any statistically significant changes in their values over time. This period wasjudged necessary in order to establish the pattern of fluctuations in the relevant data during the non-pandemic years and thus make the visual comparison with the previous period and the years during the pandemic, more clear. First, the paper tests the impact of the pandemic as expressed by the number of daily COVID-19 cases on freight flow variables in order to find the dynamic behavior of these variables and trace their reactions over time. This analysis is made by using the Vector Autoregressive Model (VAR). By implementing VAR modelling, we analyzed the dynamic relationship between freight transport volumes and other factors such as GDP, the industrial production index, exporting transactions and the number of coronavirus cases. The main result of the model analysis and the employment of impulse response functions revealed that the unexpected shock of COVID has a negative reaction to the economy and the freight transport volumes and a rather shortterm limited duration disruption effect on the growth of exports as well as on the industrial production index, of approximately eight months. Secondly, the paper discusses how, unpredicted events like the pandemic, influence the uncertainty inherent in freight transport modelling and formulates a novel freight modelling framework procedure based on scenario building, regular monitoring and data updates on a permanent basis. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Advances in Transportation Studies is the property of Advances in Transportation Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The Impact of Covid19 Pandemic on Transfusion Dependent -Thalassemia Management: Experience of a Single Pediatric Treatment Center

Background: Health care systems have been facing COVID19 pandemic around the world for almost two years. Transfusion dependent (TDT) beta-thalassemia patients represent a vulnerable group,totally dependent upon hospital-based services. Aim(s): Aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of COVID19 pandemic on management of TDT patients in a single pediatric treatment center in Northern Greece. Method(s): Patient records were reviewed in order to assess changes in management before and during the 24-month pandemic in Greece (03/01/2018-29/02/2020 and 03/01/2020 -28/02/2022, respectively) in terms of transfusion volume and transfusion frequency, mean value of pretransfusional hemoglobin, as well as laboratory parameters reflecting iron overload (ferritin levels, liver and heart MRI). Result(s): The study included 28 patients, 19 male (67.8%) and 9 female (32.2%), with an age range of 8 to 21 years. Mean number of hospital visits for transfusion was 19.97 +/- 3,52/ year prior to the pandemic and 22.38 +/- 4.35/year during the pandemic (p: 0.003). Average transfusion volume was 176.18ml +/- 38.32/kg/year kappaalphai 178.67 +/- 37.64ml/kg/year, respectively (p: 0.54). With regards to hemoglobin level, mean value was 9.56 +/- 0.42g/dl prior to the pandemic and 9.45 +/- 0.48gr/dl during the pandemic period. As to iron overload, mean ferritin level was 1362.05 +/- 517.56 ng/mL prior to the pandemic and 1021.27 +/- 508.92 ng/mL during the latter time period (p:0.016). Out of 28 enrolled patients, 26 underwent heart and liver MRI before pandemic and 23 during the pandemic period. Mean LIC values were 6.84 +/- 7.37 mg/gdw and 6.43 +/- 6.46 mg/gdw (p: 0.97) before and during the pandemic, respectively (p:0.97). Myocardial MRI values were within normal limits both before and during the pandemic. Summary-Conclusion: Covid19 pandemic did not seem to negatively affect the primary goal of transfusion therapy (pretransfusion Hb), even if an increased number of visits was required in order to transfuse the same blood volume - due to limited availability of blood units per visit. Of interest, pandemic conditions appeared to favor patient adherence to chelation therapy.

‘We discovered places we never used before'. Home and parenting geographies during the 2020 lockdowns in Italy and Greece

The paper presents and discusses data from a qualitative study carried out in April and May 2020 with families under lockdown in Italy (N = 319) and Greece (N = 297). The research examined how confinement and restrictions on movement had impacted families' everyday geographies (with a particular focus on ‘liminal' places located between homes and public spaces, such as balconies, hallways, courtyards, backyards), as well as parents' most valued public spaces and propensity (and modes) to use them. Data were analysed following a top-down thematic approach. The results suggest that restricted access to public spaces (as enforced during the Greek and Italian lockdowns) may influence the signification of domestic places, prompt remodulation of the dialectic between public and private spheres, and bring to light the social value of families' (parents and children's) experiences in public spaces.

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for semiprofessional soccer clubs after the crisis- a team study

In 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, the COVID-19 pandemic led to unexpected behavioral restrictions, allowing only the individual training of the athletes. The purpose of the present study was to record the effects of a home-based training program on physical performance at a semi-professional level, after the Covid-19 confinement, in terms of external load. Twenty soccer players from one semi-professional team participated in this study. The data was collected by GPS devices, with an accelerometer and gyroscope, and a sampling rate 10Hz. The external load is evaluated by the total distance, the high-intensity runs, the sprint distance as well as the number of accelerations and decelerations. Three matches before and twelve games after the lockdown were analyzed and compared. During the confinement period, the players performed 5-6 training sessions per week. This period lasted over 4 four months. The training sessions were monitored by a free smartphone application. Similarly, the players communicated with the technical staff with a free internet application. The results showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in the total distance covered during the matches after the intervention. No significant increase in high-intensity runs and the number of accelerations were found (p > 0.05). The present data suggest that an intervention monitored by a free application could improve athletic performance at the semi-professional level, even after long-term abstinence from team training such as quarantine or off-season periods. These data might provide affordable solutions to the semi-professional soccer teams, which could be used during the off-season period leading to reduce detraining effects and higher performance in the forthcoming championship.

Lessons Learnt and Policy Implications from Implementing the POWERPOOR Approach to Alleviate Energy Poverty

Energy poverty is a multifaceted phenomenon that affects many Europeans. Alleviating energy poverty is high in the EU, national, and local policy agendas. Despite the attention the phenomenon has been gaining from a policy perspective, especially after the current energy crisis, there are still some gaps due to the complexity of the issue and its vastly different manifestations across Europe. This manuscript presents the policy implications stemming from the implementation of the POWEPROOR approach in alleviating energy poverty in eight European countries, as co-created with relevant stakeholders in each country. The knowledge gained from empowering energy-poor citizens by promoting behavioural changes and small-scale energy efficiency interventions, as well as by encouraging the uptake of renewable energy sources in the form of collective energy initiatives while leveraging innovative financing schemes, resulted in policy recommendations for national and sub-national governments and lessons for civil society and the private sector.

Keep Calm and Go Out: Urban Nature Exposure, Mental Health, and Perceived Value during the COVID-19 Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of incorporating nature-based solutions in urban design, in order to create sustainable and resilient cities. Inspired by these events, the present study aims at exploring the mental health benefits of nature exposure during the outbreak. Secondarily, we investigate changes in use patterns towards urban green spaces (UGS) and urban blue spaces (UBS) and whether extreme conditions, such as these of a lockdown, can lead to an increase in people's appreciation of urban nature. Through an online survey, we observed that the pandemic resulted in a decrease in the frequency of visitation to UGS/UBS (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found for exercise (p < 0.001) and socialization (p < 0.05) as main drivers for visiting urban nature pre- and post-lockdown. Accordingly, visitation rates for forests (p < 0.05), playgrounds (p < 0.001), and the sea (p < 0.001) differed significantly when comparing the two periods. In people's perception, UGS/UBS are important for the urban fabric (89%). Our structural equation model indicated that nature exposure had a beneficial effect on participants' mental health (p < 0.001). Pathways that explain the relationship between nature exposure and post- lockdown value were nature relatedness, motivation, and perceived importance of UGS/UBS. No mediation could be extracted for nature exposure and mental health. Our findings show the positive association between nature exposure and mental health improvement, especially in times of crisis, as well as a shift in the "value domain” towards urban nature.

Consumer attitudes and sociodemographic profiles in purchasing organic food products: evidence from a Greek and Swedish survey

PurposeThis study explores Greek and Swedish consumers' attitude towards organic food consumption in order to demonstrate possible differences that can be identified based on health and ecological consciousness beliefs rather than demographic factors. The examination of an emerging and a more mature market allow the authors to provide more targeted marketing strategies that possibly increase organic food consumption in both countries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt an econometric approach to the analysis of consumer behavior in relation to organic food consumption in Sweden and Greece. More specifically, the authors examine the motivations and postexperiences of organic food consumers of different socioeconomic profiles in these two countries, one in northern and one in southern Europe. The authors apply an ordered logistic regression analysis model to map out the interaction between consumer attitudes and sociodemographic variables.FindingsThe authors results show that consumers in Sweden more frequently purchase organic foods than consumers in Greece. Environmental protection and ethical values increase the odds for Swedish organic food consumers to buy organic food products. Health consciousness and family well-being are perceived as factors that increase the odds for Greek organic food consumers to buy organic foods. Sociodemographic factors do not play a pivotal role for consumer behavior in relation to organic food in both countries.Originality/valueThis study distinguishes between organic food consumers in two countries with different levels of organic food production and export activity, size of organic market, national organic labeling system and legal definition and standards of organic food. Within these differences, the organic food industry could align its marketing efforts better rather focus on simplistic demographics. The current view unfolds the fact that there are limited studies comparing two European markets at different stages of development and the factors that influence organic food consumer behavior.

Perceived stress negatively affects diet quality and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 lockdown period, in Greece. (Special Issue: The relationship between nutrition and COVID-19.)

Purpose: The pandemic of COVID-19 led to considerable challenges with respect to people's health, dietary behavior and satisfaction with life. This study aims to investigate perceived stress levels, in relation to diet quality and life satisfaction in Greek adults, during the COVID-19 lockdown. Design/methodology/approach: This is a cross-sectional study which took place in Greece in the course of the strict lockdown period, in the third COVID-19 wave. A sample of 2,029 adults aged 18 years and above participated in an online survey. The questionnaire consisted of questions on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. The Perceived Stress Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Mediterranean Diet Assessment Tool were also used. Findings: Linear regression has shown that women (p < 0.0001), younger individuals (p < 0.0001), obese individuals (p = 0.047), those with lower levels of satisfaction with life (p < 0.0001) and lower adherence to Mediterranean diet (p = 0.0001) were positively associated with higher levels of stress. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Greece aiming at investigating concurrently, levels of perceived stress, with respect to levels of satisfaction with life and diet quality in adults, during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial investments of the dominant cruise companies as a component of the global economic recovery and eventual growth during COVID-19 crisis era

One of the most important sectors of tourism globally is cruise tourism, as is giving a leisure experience to cruisers who are traveling across different destinations. It is also one of the most growing sectors in the tourism industry as is becoming increasingly popular. In this review study, conducted employing thematic analysis and thematic synthesis, the authors aim to approach the COVID-19 crisis era financial investments of dominant cruise companies as a component of global economic growth. Nowadays, the cruise industry operates big cruise ships as is contrary to the cruise industry back in 1960s. This study finds that the biggest cruise companies line up investment plans to renew their cruise fleet with larger, more modern, and environmentally friendly ships, borrowing from favorable financing sources. In other words, the companies are trying to introduce specific strategies to maintain their business growth, by investing in building new vessels with the target of expanding their current fleet with cruise ships with better capacity.

Why resist?: opposition to mask-wearing during the Covid-19 pandemic in Greece

This study investigates the factors that might have affected the implementation of the mask-wearing measure in Greek society from March 2020 to November 2021. To do so, this study utilizes a critical review of dominant characteristics of modern Greek society followed by a systematic review of the most recent literature on mask-wearing attitudes. The data in this study is derived from official Greek governmental announcements regarding the mask-wearing measure during the pandemic and the depiction of attitudes towards mask-wearing through Greek digital media, including digital newspapers, informative magazines and websites, and digital news sites. The article argues that the main preventive factors relate to distrust towards authority, including specific identified barriers according to relevant literature. More importantly, this study reinforces the significance of the adequate appreciation of the historical, cultural and social context within which political measures are implemented regardless of their global scale and universal necessity. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Southeast European & Black Sea Studies is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Using the Theories of Planned Behaviour and leisure constraints to study fitness club members' behaviour after COVID-19 lockdown

This paper aimed to examine fitness club members' willingness to start exercising in the clubs with the end of the lockdown. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was used in order to explore which of its components can predict club members' intention;furthermore, the degree to which leisure constraints can predict the formation of the elements of the TPB was tested. Three hundred and twenty three (N = 323) questionnaires were used;they were collected with an on-line survey, during the second lockdown in Greece. The results indicated that almost one out of three of the club members do not intend to return to the clubs when they are allowed to open. All the three elements of the TPB were contributed to the prediction of Intentions, with the Attitudes having the highest contribution. The Covid19, Hygienic and Financial constraint dimensions were the most influential on the formation of the elements of the TPB. The theoretical and applied implications of these results are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Age, Sex and BMI Relations with Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG Antibodies after BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine in Health Care Workers in Northern Greece.

The aim of this work was to study age, sex, and BMI (Body Mass Index)-related differences in the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG antibodies, after vaccination with the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine, in health care workers of a General Hospital in a city in Northern Greece. Blood sampling was drawn two to four weeks following the second dose of the vaccine, and six months after the first blood sample collection. Measurement of serum IgG antibodies against the spike domain of SARS-CoV-2 was performed using the SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay. All participants had sufficient serum IgG titers in the first measurement. Women developed higher IgG titers than men. The IgG titers were inversely related to age in both sexes; there was also a small, insignificant tendency to be inversely related to BMI. Six months after the first measurement, the IgG titers decreased dramatically to values less than 5% of the initial. This decrease was observed in both men and women and was inversely related to age. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age and sex explained with statistical significance 9% of the variance in SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers in our study population; the role of BMI was limited and insignificant.

Leadership, mobilization of risky behaviours and accountability: The Church of Greece leaders' public talk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social psychologists have typically examined leadership and risk-taking behaviours through a social identity lens. However, the rhetorical/ideological aspects of such processes as well as leaders' accountability management practices have not been adequately studied. We address this gap by focusing on leaders of the Church of Greece (CoG), who, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, insisted that their congregation should keep receiving the Holy Communion, which typically involves the practice of spoon-sharing. We present a discursive analysis of 17 interviews with leaders of the CoG given in Greek media channels, exploring how they construct participation in the ritual. When Church leaders urged their audiences to engage in risky practices, they assumed various social identity positions (e.g. scientifically informed; civic minded), implicating competing ideological frameworks. They also managed their personal and institutional accountability for potential viral transmissions by placing responsibility for adverse effects on their followers. Implications for social psychological theory are discussed.

Guest editorial: the relationship between nutrition and COVID-19

[...]the journal Nutrition and Food Science has published this special issue exploring the intersection of nutrition and COVID-19 [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]. [...]a study explored the factors related to sedentary lifestyle in a Brazilian sample during the COVID-19 initial quarantine [8]. [...]the papers published in the special issue "The relationship between nutrition and COVID-19” underlined the importance of nutrition in mitigating the mental and health-related impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Levels among University Students: Three Years from the Beginning of the Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Three years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological distress among college students remains increased. This study assesses stress, anxiety, and depression levels among students of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki by the end of the third year of the pandemic (November 2022), revealing demographic characteristics and probable stressors. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed in November 2022 via the academic students' e-mails. The evaluation was performed with the DASS21 survey tool. The correlation analysis and the effect size calculation were performed with the t-test. RESULTS: The majority of participants were undergraduates, on their first or second academic year, female students (67%), age of 18 to 21, unmarried or single (91%), and vaccinated against COVID-19 infection (83.4%). Severely increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (21.3%, 23.3%, and 25.1%, respectively) were measured. The normal and mild levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were 64.0%, 66.5%, and 57.2%, respectively. Female and younger students were at a higher risk of extremely severe stress, anxiety and depression prevalence (ORs up to 2.07, p-Values < 0.00001). Participants who were receiving psychological or psychiatric treatment exhibited severe stress, anxiety, and depression levels (ORs above 2.9, p-Values < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the undeniable withdrawal of the COVID-19 pandemic, the community of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki presents high stress, anxiety, and depression levels, similar to those reported during the first year of the pandemic (November 2020). Stressors and risk factors were according to the reported literature and previous studies on Greek students. Academic psychological support offices should consider the students' "profile" in order to evaluate properly the potential risk for emotional and psychological distress. Evidence suggest that new technology (virtual reality, tele-psychiatry or tele-support apps and sessions) should also be implemented in universities.

Hepatitis C Burden in Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain: 2000-2019

Background: Viral Hepatitis remains a health priority. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of epidemiological HCV estimates in Southern countries of Western Europe and assessed the impact of the 2008 economic crisis on HCV burden. Method(s): We analyzed data of the Global Burden of Diseases to describe the patterns of six measures of HCV burden [prevalence, incidence, mortality, years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), disability adjusted life years (DALYs)] in Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain. We assessed age-standardized rates (per 100,000 population) between 2000-2019, disaggregated by sex and age, and compared the annualized age-standardized rate of change (ARC%) in 2000-2010 (pre-austerity) and 2010-2019 (post-austerity). Result(s): Prevalence, incidence and YLDs rates of acute HCV showed a general stable trend in Western Europe (WE), globally and in the four studied countries except Italy, where, despite a marked decline (ARC: 1.4% in 2010-2019), the 2019 estimates [7.8 (95% UI 6.6-9.2)] were still 1.7-fold higher than in WE. Mortality, YLLs and DALYs associated with acute HCV decreased in the analyzed countries and peaked in Greece post-austerity. Globally and in Greece, mortality rate was higher in females than in males (1.3-times and 1.5-times in 2019, respectively). Mortality caused by chronic liver diseases including cirrhosis decreased globally, in WE and in all countries albeit at a lower rate in the post-austerity period (decrease in ARC for WE: 2.5% in 2000-2010;1.6 in 2010-2019). Liver cancer prevalence due to HCV increased in WE (ARC: 2.1%) and in the analyzed countries mainly in the pre-austerity period except for Italy. However, despite having the highest prevalence rate in both sexes, Italy showed major decreases in all six-disease metrics. HCV liver cancer mortality declined significantly only in Italy (ARC: 2.6%) and globally (ARC: 2.1%) especially in the pre-austerity period, while Portugal experienced a major increase postausterity. Overall, males and people over 70 years old are at greater risk of developing chronic liver diseases due to HCV infection. Conclusion(s): The economic crisis of 2008 negatively impacted hepatitis C related liver cancer mortality rates in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Despite the observed recovery in recent years, elimination of HCV infection by 2030 will be a major challenge in these countries and the COVID-19 pandemic and the current grim economic context are expected to compromise even further hepatitis C elimination.

SARS-CoV-2 IN CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS LIVING WITH HIV IN EUROPE & SOUTH AFRICA

Background: Adults living with HIV may have higher risk of SARS-CoV- 2 infection than HIV negative adults. There are no published data on seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents living with HIV (CALWHIV). Method(s): We did a repeat SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study in 7 paediatric HIV observational cohorts in 5 countries in the European Pregnancy & Paediatric Infections Cohort Collaboration (EPPICC;Belgium, Greece, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom (UK)) and also the Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort (CTAAC), South Africa (SA) (CALWHIV and HIV negative adolescents). Participants gave 2 blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing ~6 months apart during routine visits between May 2020 and July 2022, and completed questionnaires on SARS-CoV-2 exposure/infection and vaccine status. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from clinic records. Result(s): Of 906 participants, 53%(477) were female, 89%(803) CALWHIV, median [IQR] age at first visit 17[15-19] years. Most were enrolled in SA (45%, 410/906), UK (23%, 205/906) or Ukraine (18%, 160/906). 85%(767/906) had 2 blood samples and the rest a single sample. For CALWHIV, at time of first sample, 99%(761/765) were on antiretroviral therapy, median CD4 count was 666[478-858] cells/mL, 70%(535/764) had HIV-1 viral load < 50c/mL. Of those with known SARS-CoV-2 vaccine status, 23%(181/773) CALWHIV and 22% (22/100) HIV negative participants received >=1 vaccine dose. 6%(43/762) of CALWHIV had a documented prior SARS-CoV-2 positive PCR (including 2 hospitalised for COVID, neither severe), and 16%(124/762) self-reported previous positive test and/or COVID-19 symptoms, giving a total of 17%(128/762) with any previous infection. Based on serum testing, 63%(562/898) of participants overall were seropositive on at least one sample (55% (269/488) Europe, 67% (205/307) SA CALWHIV, 85% (88/103) SA HIV negative group), and among the unvaccinated subgroup, 53%(408/765) were seropositive (41% (167/412) Europe, 64% (168/263) SA CALWHIV, 81% (73/90) SA HIV negative). Among samples taken prior to or in absence of vaccination, the proportion testing antibody positive increased over time (Figure). Of unvaccinated CALWHIV with >=1 positive result, 17%(52/299) reported any previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion(s): Most CALWHIV were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive by mid-2022 despite low vaccine coverage. Fewer had documented or self-reported COVID-19 infection or disease, suggesting most infections were mild or asymptomatic. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Europe and South Africa, by HIV status and calendar quarter of sampling. Colours indicate dominant variant based on GISAID data for adults and children.

Students' mental health issues in Europe and other countries

This chapter describes and analyzes how different countries dealt with children and youth with mental health issues before and during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2020. The pandemic and measures worldwide to control the spread of the virus COVID-19, such as lockdowns, closures of schools and preschools, social distancing rules, restrictions of movement, contact limits, and quarantine, changed the daily life of millions of people, especially children and youth. The countries include: Germany, Greece, Portugal, Tanzania/Vietnam, and the Netherlands. The chapter also analyzes how fear of infection and death, high uncertainty, and the containment measures that were implemented on affected children and youth with mental health issues. Students with disabilities and students from disadvantaged backgrounds were particularly affected by school closures. Mental health systems in the various countries coped in different ways, also depending on how they operated before the pandemic. Developing prevention programs, building resiliency, peer support, online support measures, and raising awareness of mental health all seem to be useful strategies to address mental health problems in children and youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)