Update – 22/07/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 4,048. In its daily bulletin, the National Organization for Public Health (EODY) said two patients died from Covid-19, with the death toll reaching 197. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 10, while 124 patients have left the intensive care unit. 

Greece confirmed 36 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, only two of which where at the country’s entry points, health authorities announced on Tuesday.

TRAVEL

• Greece’s Civil Protection and Crisis Management Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias confirmed on Tuesday that there were no plans for a total lockdown after presenting Covid-19 figures for Greece. Hardalias said Greek authorities had conducted 127,900 Covid-19 tests since July 1, when Greece opened its borders to tourists, recording 295 confirmed cases in travellers. Broken down: 78 cases were found in visitors from Serbia, 63 – Bulgaria, 61 – Romania, 23 – Albania, and 26 from the US.

• According to Hardalias, 76.27% or 225 of the 295 positive Covid-19 test results were found in travellers from Balkan countries. From July 1 to July 19, a total of 918,032 people entered Greece, 620,652 of whom by air, 48,720 by sea, and 248,660 by road. Of the total 127,900 tests, 98,284 were carried out at the country’s airports producing 105 positive results; 6,119 at the ports with four positive results; and 23,497 at border check points producing 186 positive results. Meanwhile, over the July 15-19 period, 23,559 UK tourists came to Greece and a total of 6,692 tests were conducted. Out of that number, results for 5,105 tests came back negative (results for the rest are pending).

• Hardalias went on to add that local lockdowns would be considered should the need arise and that it would be prudent to extend the ban on Greece’s popular panegyria outdoor festivals due to danger of spreading the virus in crowded spaces.

• The basic rules for passengers on both domestic and foreign flights at all Greek airports that are currently in place are:

• Entrance to the airport building is allowed only for people who are travelling and holding a ticket, except for certain exceptions (escorts for minors or the disabled). Protective dividers have been installed at public service points.
• The use of a mask is mandatory – including at the entrance to the airport – while everyone must wear it during their stay in the airport.
• Passengers may be asked to remove their mask during the security and identity checking process. The use of a mask is also mandatory during boarding and during the flight and it is recommended to change it every four hours.
• Employees are equipped with all personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, antiseptic liquid) which they must use throughout their work.
• The observance of distances (1.5 meters) should be applied at all times at the airport. Special ground markings, visual instructions on screens and banners will make it easier to maintain distances and there will also be regular audible updates via screens, announcements and markings.
• Facilities, machinery, equipment and frequent contact surfaces on the airport premises are regularly cleaned and disinfected with special materials while the airport staff will provide information and supervise the observance of the rules by the passengers.
• There are antiseptics available at the airport, as well as in sanitary areas, for use by the passengers at all stages of the travel process, both during departure and arrival. Plastic bins where passengers place their clothes and belongings during the airport security process at the gates are also disinfected after each passenger before being used again.
• The use of available electronic applications and services is encouraged, both before departure for the airport (web check-in) and inside the airport (web check-in, self check in, baggage tag printing, drop off baggage process, eparking).
• Distances must be kept in the airport lounge seats and there are already signs for mandatory empty spots which must be maintained (however, this will not apply to families and couples). Also, at some airports, where this is possible, there will be pedestrian transfer of passengers to and from the aircraft.
• Finally, regarding flight conditions and other details, passengers should get information from the airlines on which they are traveling.

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