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Update – 10/04/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday at 6 pm, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 1,955. 86 people have died, 16 people have recovered and 79 patients are intubated in intensive care units. Health authorities have carried out 33,634 tests nationwide.

RELIGION

  • Both the government and the Church of Greece clarified on Thursday, April 9, that churches will only be open for clerics and few of their staff, not for worshippers, during Orthodox Holy Week and called on the faithful to pray at home.
  • The authorities will work with the Church to avoid crowds gathering outside churches. The annual ceremony bringing the Holy Fire from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to Athens by airplane will be observed. Mayors who had wanted to distribute the flame to homes agreed to cancel those plans after government officials said this could pose a public health risk.

GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT MEASURES

  • The Finance Ministry decided on Thursday, April 9, to extend the deadline for applications for state support to enterprises, known as the “Deposit To Be Returned,” until April 21, as numerous small businesses have not managed to collect the necessary documents. The original deadline was on Friday. All corporations with a staff of up to 500 people can apply for loans of up to 500,000 euros each, which are not taxable. Applications can be submitted at www.aade.gr/mybusinesssupport.

OTHER MEASURES/RESTRICTIONS

  • Coast Guard officials will intensify checks at all Greek ports as of Friday, April 10, to enforce compliance with the measures announced by the government against the spread of the new coronavirus.
  • A joint ministerial decision issued on March 21 allows only permanent residents of the islands, who have the necessary supporting documentation proving residence, and those transporting supplies to travel to the islands, as well as the return of those that want to leave an island. It also forbids the departure or docking of any private or professional pleasure boats, under any flag, in Greek territory.
  • Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis has asked the coast guard to check travellers boarding ships, while island mayors have asked for additional restrictions of movement between the islands.
  • The ski resorts of Parnassos, central Greece, and Voras-Kaimaktsalan in Pella, northern Greece, will close for the rest of the season in a bid to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

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