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Update – 06/07/2021

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 426,963. 6 new deaths were reported raising the total number to 12,743. The number of patients treated in intensive care units is currently 173. 801 new cases were announced yesterday in Greece. 428 of the new cases were found in the Attica region and 27 new cases in the Thessaloniki region.

Many people in Greece have rushed out to receive their coronavirus shots now that the vaccine is readily available to all of the adult population.

However, despite efforts by the government to encourage people in Greece to receive the shot, including a check of 150 euros to young people who become inoculated, many Greeks remain unvaccinated.

According to the most recent figures, the age group of Greeks aged 70 to 79 are the most vaccinated in the country, with the percentage of those who have received both doses of the shot nearing 75%.

87% of those 18-24 are unvaccinated in Greece

Those aged 60 to 69 years follow, as just under 70% of Greeks in this age group have been fully inoculated against the virus.

Just over 66% of Greeks aged 80 and over are fully vaccinated.

A total of 53% of those in the age group 50 to 59 have received both doses of the shot, and just about 10% have received their first dose.

Shockingly, 87% of those aged 18 to 24 in Greece have not yet received either dose of the vaccine. Officials speculate that young Greeks may feel that it is not necessary to get the shot, as they are young and healthy, and believe they would be fine if they caught the virus.

Experts stress, however, that vaccinations amongst young people are particularly important as they are the most likely age group to travel and go out, and therefore the most likely to spread the virus to those who might become seriously ill.

In the slightly older group of those aged 25 to 49, 57.7% of Greeks are unvaccinated.

Proof of vaccine or negative PCR test required to travel to islands

While refusing the vaccine puts the public in danger of illness, it may also impact people’s summer plans in Greece.

As of Monday, July 5, all travelers who wish to visit the Greek islands will have to show either proof of coronavirus vaccination or recovery from the virus; proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure; or a negative rapid test that must have been conducted 42 hours before setting out on their journey.

The new ruling was announced at a press conference by Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias.

Additionally, all those who are 12 years of age or older are advised to take a self-test before their return trip, according to Hardalias.

The new measures regarding islands were announced after a meeting of the Greek Health Ministry’s committee of experts on the course of the coronavirus pandemic.

Greece adopted new measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus on travel and places of entertainment starting on Monday.

As of July 5, adults in Greece that travel to islands by ferry will have to display one of the following to board a ship:

– A certificate of vaccination, completed 14 days prior to the date of travel;

– A certificate of a negative PCR test for Covid-19 taken up to 72 hours before departure;

– A certificate of a negative rapid test taken in the previous 48 hours; or

– A certificate of immunity due to prior Covid-19 infection, which is issued 30 days after the first positive test for the disease and is valid for 180 days after that date.

Minors aged 12-17 that will travel in Greece are required to provide one of the above or, alternatively, a self-test performed 24 hours before the time of departure.

Passengers boarding ships to and from the islands must first fill in the Health Declaration Questionnaire included in Annex 1 of the Covid-19 case prevention and treatment measures in passenger ships, while are available at the website https://sea.travel.gov.gr/ and the shipping ministry website https://www.ynanp.gr/el/.

Passengers must also carry identification documents (passport, ID card or other valid ID) for use when boarding, as the crew will be required to crosscheck identity against the health certificates shown.

Deputy Minister of Civil Protection & Crises Management Minister Nikos Hardalias recommended that anyone over 12 years old should do a self-test on their return journey. Different rules apply for those travelling daily or on a regular basis for reasons of work, or those travelling within their regional unit (Salamina-Athens, Rio-Antirrio, ferries to Evia etc).

Air travel in Greece

Greece also updated the Covid-19 rules for travel on domestic flights with effect from July 5, 2021 until 6:00 on July 12, 2021, according to an announcement by the Civil Aviation Authority.

As of Monday, passengers over 12 years old in Greece flying to or from the islands will have to display any of the following:

– A negative PCR diagnostic test taken up to 72 hours before departure

– A negative rapid test taken in the last 48 hours

– A certificate of prior infection

– A vaccination certificate

As regards public sector services, citizens will have to make an appointment observing the necessary health measures.

Public transport will operate at a maximum capacity of 65 percent while ensuring efficient passenger transport during rush hours.

Places of entertainment

For indoor cinemas (year-round operation), those attending screenings must display any of the following in order to enter

– a vaccination certificate

– a negative PCR test certificate taken in the last 72 hours before scheduled screening time

– a negative rapid test certificate done 48 hours before the scheduled screening time

– a self-test done up to 24 hours before the scheduled screening time.

– certificate of immunity due to prior Covid-19 infection

For self-tests, a self-test declaration is issued by the platform where the test result is declared.

From July 2, the operation of open-air (outdoor) places of entertainment is permitted but restricted to 25 pct full capacity and entrance is restricted to those that can display the required health certificates.

In more detail, the 801 new cases detected per Regional Unit:

  • Attica 408
    • Eastern Attica 51
    • Northern Sector of Athens 50
    • West Attica 5
    • Western Sector of Athens 43
    • Central Sector of Athens 105
    • Southern Sector of Athens 107
    • Islands 4
    • Piraeus 43
  • Thessaloniki 27
  • Etoloakarnania 11
  • Argolida
  • Arcadia 1
  • Achaia 2
  • Boeotia 5
  • Grevena 10
  • Evros 1
  • Evia 15
  • Zakynthos 2
  • Ilia 15
  • Imathia 1
  • Heraklion 28
  • Thira 3
  • Ioannina 17
  • Kavala 3
  • Karditsa 3
  • Corfu 3
  • Cephalonia 2
  • Kozani 4
  • Corinth 15
  • Kos 1
  • Larissa 16
  • Lasithi 1
  • Lesvos 1
  • Magnesia 31
  • Milos 1
  • Mykonos 8
  • Naxos 4
  • Paros 3
  • Pella 2
  • Pieria 5
  • Rethymno 38
  • Rhodes 2
  • Sporades 1
  • Fthiotida 2
  • Florina 2
  • Chalkidiki 4
  • Chania 7
  • Chios 2
  • Under investigation 73

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