Update 07/07/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 3,562. One fatality was announced in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 193. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 11, while 120 patients have left the intensive care unit.

HEALTH

Of the 43 new coronavirus infections reported by the Greek health authorities yesterday – a significant spike from last week’s daily high of 28 cases – 36 came from tests conducted at the Promachonas crossing on the Greek-Bulgarian border.

According to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, 20 of the 36 people who tested positive for Covid-19 at Promachonas were Serbian nationals. They were reportedly among hundreds of holidaymakers from the Balkan nation trying to enter Greece on Sunday before a temporary ban went into effect at 6 a.m. on Monday morning, following a state of emergency being declared in Belgrade in response to a fresh surge in infections.

The remaining 16 Promachonas cases concerned nationals of other countries traveling into Greece by road. The regional unit of Xanthi, which is among the hardest hit in Greece, also had four new cases on Monday, while two people tested positive on the island of Karpathos in the southeastern Aegean. The last of the 43 total cases was reported in eastern Attica.

TOURISM

• Greece has launched a new campaign aimed at promoting the country as a safe tourism destination amid the coronavirus pandemic. The half-minute video, which was released by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) under the slogan “Destination Greece. Health First,” brings together footage of archetypal Greek natural and architectural attractions together with the reassuring message that the country complies with all the necessary health and safety protocols.

• Direct flights from the UK are set to resume on July 15, Greece said on Monday, days after the British government included Greek nationals on its list of countries from which quarantine-free entry is allowed. In a press briefing on Monday, Government Spokesperson Stelios Petsas announced the complete resumption of travel between Greece and the UK.

• Greek authorities may decide to boost testing for Covid-19 after thousands of tourists entered the country starting last Wednesday, when Greece opened its borders after months of lockdowns. More than 28,000 travelers arrived on Saturday with the majority of passengers heading directly to the islands. Greek authorities said tourist traffic was picking up at all entry points including airports, ports, and on the border. Approximately 2,000 tests are carried out daily at Athens International Airport out of a total 6,000 conducted at 30 entry points in Greece based on health status information provided on the mandatory PLF (Passenger Location Form) form.

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