Update – 14/07/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 3,826. No new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, leaving total fatalities from Covid-19 in Greece at 193. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 12, while 122 patients have left the intensive care unit. 

Of the total number of infections, 1,007 are related to travel abroad and 2,002 to a known case.

TRAVEL/TOURISM

• Greek health authorities will increase testing at the country’s borders with Bulgaria and Albania as infections related to tourism from the Balkans have jumped in the past few days, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday. He said that from July 1 to 11 authorities have recorded four times as many positive coronavirus tests at the Greek-Bulgarian border crossing of Promachonas than at Athens’ international airport. Border officials will also check the authenticity of the negative test results presented by travellers at Promachonas as of Wednesday and increase checks at the border crossings of Kakavia and Krystalopigi.

• Petsas also announced that Greece will allow direct flights from Britain and Sweden as of July 15 and July 22 respectively, and that it is even considering opening for flights from the US at the end of July, depending “on the development of epidemiological data”. The government’s spokesman added that in such a case, travelers from the US will be obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus (Covid-19) upon arrival.

• The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated important information on travel to Greece:
  Protocol for air arrivals
• Arrival at the entry gate.
• Transfer to the area where the screening personnel are located. Travelers are requested to show their QR code of the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) either on their mobile phone screen or in print. If travel departure begins prior to the day of arrival, travelers are allowed to board after showing the confirmation email they received upon submission of the PLF. (and not necessarily the QR code which is scheduled to arrive during their trip.)
• Depending on their QR code/confirmation, travelers are directed either to the screening area where they will be tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team or to the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).
• Upon completion of the test, travelers are directed towards the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).
• The test results are expected to become available within 24 hours. During that time, passengers who are tested are advised to practise social distancing according to local guidelines and self monitoring for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. In case of such symptoms, medical advice and/or contact with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre should be immediately sought. Only in case they test positive, the authorities will contact them and proceed with the health protocol in place. Otherwise, they may continue with their holidays, adhering to the general public health safety guidelines.
• If travelers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.
• All travelers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical distancing) according to local guidance.

Protocol for sea arrivals

• Arrival of incoming travelers on foot at the main entry gate.
• Incoming travelers arriving in vehicles are directed to the special entry gate.
• Transfer to the area where the screening personnel are located. Travelers are requested to show their QR code either on their mobile phone screen or in print. If travel departure begins prior to the day of arrival, travelers are allowed to board after showing the confirmation email (and not necessarily the QR code which is scheduled to arrive during their trip.)
• Depending on their QR code/confirmation, travelers are directed either to the screening area where they will be tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team or to the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).
• Upon completion of the test, travelers are directed towards the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).
• The test results are expected to become available within 24 hours. During that time, passengers who are tested are advised to practise social distancing according to local guidelines and self monitoring for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. In case of such symptoms, medical advice and/or contact with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre should be immediately sought. Only in case they test positive, the authorities will contact them and proceed with the health protocol in place. Otherwise, they may continue with their holidays, adhering to the general public health safety guidelines.
• If travelers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.
• All travelers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical distancing) according to local guidance.

Protocol for arrivals at land borders

• Arrival of persons at the checkpoint.
• Passport and customs control are carried out.
• Transfer to the area where screening personnel is located. Travelers are requested to show their QR code either on their mobile phone screen or in print.
• Screening personnel direct travelers, depending on their QR code, either to the screening area where they will be tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team or to the exit. Upon completion of the screening, tested travelers are also directed towards the exit.
• The screening results are expected to become available within 24 hours. During that time, passengers who are tested are advised to practise social distancing according to local guidelines and self monitoring for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. In case of such symptoms, medical advice and/or contact with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre should be immediately sought. Only in case they test positive, the authorities will contact them and proceed with the health protocol in place. Otherwise, they may continue with their holidays, adhering to the general public health safety guidelines.
• If travelers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.
• All travelers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical/social distancing) according to local guidance.
  
  

MEASURES/RESTRICTIONS

• Prompted by a spike in Covid-19 cases in the country, Greek authorities are mulling a ban on so-called “panigyria,” traditional church-centered celebrations held by village communities to celebrate the feast days of local patron saints. Speaking to reporters on Monday, government spokesman said authorities are considering a ban on religious festival through the end of July. Speaking about the issue on Monday, Citizens’ Protection Minister said that police cannot be tasked with the responsibility of breaking up festivals. He said any such restrictions should be overseen by local authorities.

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