Update – 14/05/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday evening, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 2,760. The death toll climbed to 155 after three people died in the last 24-hours. There are currently 28 patients intubated in intensive care units, while 88 patients have left the intensive care unit.

MEASURES/ RESTRICTIONS

• The Greek government decided on Wednesday to allow organized beaches to open this weekend, when temperatures are forecast to soar. According to the new guidelines, the organized beaches – with umbrellas and all kinds of amenities – will operate at 60% capacity without music and there will be a ban on the sale of alcohol by beach bars, while the staff must comply with all protection measures (including masks and gloves). Moreover, after each time a sunbed is used by a bather, it will be cleaned by the staff. The distance between each umbrella and sunbed set should be 4 meters. Despite the satisfaction of local authorities at the opening of the beaches, it is tempered by concerns over possible overcrowding, as was the case in the city squares.

• Greek health and civil protection authorities have launched an operation for widespread testing and contact tracing in Larissa, Central Greece, where an outbreak of coronavirus infections have been detected. The civil protection authority said yesterday that consecutive positive infections had been recorded in a Roma settlement. Ten new confirmed infections were recorded on Tuesday, including seven people in the same family. Positive cases will lead to quarantines of city blocks or neighborhoods, or to people being transferred for quarantine in a medical center set up in the area for this purpose, the civil protection authority said.

• The cardiology clinic of the Elpis Hospital in Athens was quarantined on Wednesday after at least three doctors, a nurse and a patient tested positive for coronavirus. Health authorities are also expecting the results of the tests conducted to the rest of the staff and patients to assess the extent of the infection. The hospital suspended its morning shift and crews have been called in to disinfect the rooms.

GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT MEASURES

• The Finance Ministry is planning to allow businesses and households to pay their incomes tax in more installments to make it easier for them to meet their obligations this year. If the plan is implemented, it will increase the tranches for companies from six to eight and for individuals from three to six.

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