Update – 04/08/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 4,737. 77 were the new coronavirus cases announced yesterday, 8 of which from international arrivals. 2 new deaths were reported raising the total number remains to 210. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 13, while 128 patients have exited the intensive care unit.

Two cricketers on the Ionian island of Corfu have tested positive for the new coronavirus. The two girls, aged 15 and 17, were participating in the indoor championships at the National Athletics Center of Corfu, which were halted after the confirmation of the cases.

Amid concerns about a steady increase in coronavirus infections in the country, government officials on Monday signified their readiness to intensify restrictions. Meanwhile experts are concerned about a spike in new cases over the past two weeks, to 6.1 per 100,000 people from 4.2 per 100,000. Government spokesman Stelios Petsas told reporters that the situation will be assessed three times a week during a teleconference of health experts to be chaired by the Prime Minister.

Regarding yesterday’s cases:

• 8 were detected during the tests carried out at Greece’s entry points
• 2 are imported cases, which requested testing voluntarily
• 28 cases were detected in the regional unit of Attica
• 9 cases were detected in the regional unit of Evros, all of themrelated to the wedding held in Alexandroupoli
• 7 cases were detected in the regional unit of Thessaloniki, all of themrelated to the wedding held in Ambelokipoi area
• 2 cases were detected in the regional unit of Euboea
• 4 cases were detected in the regional unit of Kavala
• 1 case was detected in the regional unit of Evrytania
• 1 case was detected in the regional unit of Heraklion in Crete
• 5 cases were detected in the regional unit of Kerkyra
• 2 cases were detected in the regional unit of Chania
• 3 cases were detected in the regional unit of Corinthia
• 2 cases were detected in the regional unit of Cyclades
• 1 case was detected in the regional unit of Lesbos
• 1 case was detected in the regional unit of Magnesia
• 1 case was detected in the regional unit of Pella, which is related to the wedding held in Thessaloniki

MEASURES/RESTRICTIONS

• Tourists travelling by ferries in Greece will have to wear face masks even when they are sitting on the open-air decks, government spokesman Stelios Petsas announced on Monday. The new measure will apply as of today (August 3) and until August 18. Petsas said compliance to the new rule is crucial in order to avoid taking stricter measures to limit passenger capacity. The government has also decided to extend to August 15 a measure by which foreign seasonal workers who leave Greece by that date will not be able to return until further notice.

• All travelers entering Greece from an airport of the United Arab Emirates are obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus (Covid-19) upon arrival. The test must be performed up to 72 hours before travelers enter Greece, a new aviation directive (NOTAM) by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) said on Friday. The NOTAM also extends the same rule for all travelers arriving to Greece by air from Bulgaria and Romania. The new directive has been announced to limit the further spread of the coronavirus in Greece. Greek citizens, holders of residence permits and those who travel for essential reasons are excluded from the directive. Another NOTAM extended the temporary suspension of flights from and to Turkey until Saturday, August 15. In addition, a third NOTAM extended the ban of entry to Greece by non-EU nationals until Friday, August 14 (midnight). The following 12 countries are excluded from the directive: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and the United Arab Emirates.

• Restaurants and cafes in Greece may be instructed to close earlier to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Deputy Development Minister Nikos Papathanasis warned on Monday, amid a steady increase of infections in the country. Speaking to private broadcaster Skai, Papathanasis said that there might be “regional interventions or lockdowns” if the virus continues to spread, but no general lockdown. However, “there is a possibility of restricting the operation of businesses, for example by closing earlier,” he told the broadcaster.

GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT MEASURES

• Aware of the very negative effects of the pandemic on tourism, Greece’s main industry, the government plans to inject a further 4.5 billion euros into the economy in the fall. The injection will take the form of return of pre-paid taxes, but also a massive subsidy for seasonal employees. Those who became unemployed as a result of the tourism industry’s downturn will be given priority. The government is treating the situation as an emergency, since many people who depended on summer employment for their year-round livelihood face a devastating decline in income. The government’s main priority is to limit, as far as possible, the extent of the recession, even at the expense of the budget deficit, the public debt and the state’s cash reserves.

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