Update – 18/06/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 3,203. The death toll from Covid-19 rose to 187, with two more fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 11, while 117 patients have left the intensive care unit.

MEASURES/RESTRICTIONS

• The small village community of Echinos in the region of Xanthi, northern Greece, was placed again under strict lockdown for a week on Thursday, after a new spike in coronavirus infections in the last 48 hours. Health authorities recorded 73 new Covid-19 infections in the community and four deaths in the area since June 11. This is the third time that restrictive measures have been imposed on the community after several infections were confirmed last week and in late March.

• Residents of Echinos are told to stay at home for the next seven days during which period all shops be closed except pharmacies and supermarkets, while the use of a face mask will be compulsory in public. Open-air food markets are closed, while food and medicine will be brought in with trucks. The measures will apply from 6 a.m. on Thursday until 6 a.m. on June 25, when the situation will be reassessed.

TOURISM

• Answers to frequently asked questions based on the updated information the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided on travel to Greece in the post-Covid-19 era:
  
  
• Who will cover the expenses of the management and hospitalization of a COVID 19 case?

Access to all required health services will be provided by the Greek State free of charge to visitors with no insurance coverage. In the case of EU citizens, all related costs will be covered and then handled according to EU rules and Guidance Notes.

• What happens if an infection is confirmed at a hotel?

In the event of a confirmed infection, close contacts of the case will be transferred to a separate quarantine accommodation at the expense of the Greek state. Remaining guests will continue their holidays.

• If someone misses their return flight because of illness or symptoms or misses prepaid accommodation is there a refund policy or other framework that could cover expenses?

Greece will cover transfer to hospital and medical costs as well as stay in quarantine hotel if needed. Airlines travel agents and hotels are urged to offer maximum flexibility during this time of customer and regulatory uncertainty.

• Can a visitor provide the results of a molecular test (conducted up to 72 hours prior to arrival) to avoid being tested?

Subject to evaluation, such tests can be accepted.

• Health Protocols of Hotels. How is protocol compliance ensured? With whom should tourists communicate in case protocols are not followed?

The Ministry of Tourism is already preparing a focused plan of audits and all enterprises are encouraged to seek third party accreditation. A training and information website for employees and owners has also been set up in order to ensure that the knowledge of the protocols is disseminated in a timely and responsible manner. Finally, steep fines for those neglecting their duties have been established. In case of complaints visitors can call the four-digit number 1572 of the Ministry Tourism.

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