Update – 10/06/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 3,058. The death of one more patient in the last 24 hours brought Greece’s Covid-19 death toll to 183. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 10, while 115 patients have left the intensive care unit.

As the number of infections from the novel coronavirus showed a sudden increase in the past few days in Greece, health authorities are resuming their daily public briefings in a bid to alert Greeks to the risks of relaxing safety measures.

MEASURES/ RESTRICTIONS

• Greece will be increasing testing and introducing restrictions on a local level where clusters of new coronavirus infections are reported, the government decided on Tuesday. Tuesday’s meeting between the Prime Minister and key health and public safety officials took place in the wake of a significant increase in Covid-19 infections reported over the past few days, following the easing of most restrictions on public movement.

• The officials agreed to conduct more tests in parts of the country like Xanthi in northern Greece, where several cases have been reported in recent days. Such areas where alarming clusters are reported may also be placed on a partial lockdown to contain the virus’ spread. Decisions were also made regarding the organization of the National Health System as Greece prepares to welcome international tourists from June 15.

• Greek authorities ended a quarantine imposed on a refugee camp in Nea Kavala, northern Greece, after the tests conducted on a suspected coronavirus case and 350 other residents came back negative. However, the same ministries extended a quarantine imposed on a hotel in Kranidi housing refugees until June 14 and the lockdowns at the camps of Ritsona, Malakasa, Koutsohero, as well as all the identification centres on the islands until June 21.
  
  

TRANSPORT

• The maximum passenger capacity on all public transport in Greece, as well as intercity buses (KTEL) is increased to 65 percent from the current 50 percent, according to a joint ministerial decision issued on Tuesday. The decision will remain in place until June 14.

• Lines 2 and 3 of the Athens metro will increase the frequency of service as of Tuesday, following a rise in commuter traffic since lockdown measures started being eased last month. Metro operator STASY said that the frequency between trains would be reduced from the current 5 minutes to 4.5 minutes during rush hour, from 7-11 a.m. and from 1.30-5.30 p.m. on Line 2 (Anthoupoli-Elliniko) and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Line 3 (Agia Marina-Doukissis Plakentias/Airport). The changes will not affect the ISAP electric railway between Piraeus and Kifissia or the tram.

TOURISM

• Greece will begin to lift restrictions on the arrival of travelers from Italy, the foreign ministers of the two countries confirmed at a joint press conference on Tuesday. Greek Foreign Minister said that restrictions on tourism from Italy would start being lifted on Monday and that the easing would be a gradual process lasting through the end of June unless a fresh clampdown is warranted by a resurgence of coronavirus infections.

BUSINESS

• Starting Saturday, 7 June, bars, cafes and restaurants in Greece can use their indoor spaces for customers. There are limitations, however, on the number of customers they can take: one customer per 2.2 square meters (23.7 sq. ft.) of usable space is allowed, and, as before, no more than six customers per table. Also, customers may not stand by the bar and, if a buffet is served, serving must be done by restaurant personnel and customers must not enter into contact with the food on display.

• Restaurants in hotels also opened on Saturday and foods and drinks can be provided in open-air events. On beaches, shops can sell food and drinks, including alcoholic ones, and play music, but authorities recommend against the gathering of crowds around these spots.

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