Update – 23/06/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities yesterday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 3,287. The death toll from Covid-19 is 190, with no fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 8, while 117 patients have left the intensive care unit.

ARCHAEOLOGY

• This is going to be an odd summer for archaeologists trying to carry out the excavations planned for this period as the health crisis has mandated a series of measures ensuring safety at digs, which are usually crammed with archaeologists, scientists, assistants and students. Restrictions and travel bans have prompted many foreign archaeological schools to cancel their fieldwork for this summer, while local archaeologists are having to work with much smaller teams to avoid crowding.

• According to the new regulations, this year’s excavations will take place without the participation of foreign students. The number of students will be slashed by half and there will also be restrictions on how they are distributed around the site, allowing only one or two students per room, depending on its size. Meals will be served in the open air, as dictated by EODY [the National Health Organization] and all the necessary antiseptics and gloves will be provided both at the excavation site and in the area for collecting and sorting shards.

BUSINESS

• Greek authorities issued a total of 52,700 euros in fines in one week by last Sunday against businesses that were selling products that violated coronavirus safety regulations. Apart from issuing fines worth 52,700 euros, the authorities also shut down two businesses in the Greek capital for a period of 15 days and seized 50 face masks that had not been properly registered, among other steps to crack down on safety violations.

TRANSPORT

• Greek port authorities are heightening security checks at ports and on board ferries across Greece, in efforts to ensure Covid-19 safety precautions are being adhered to by passengers and crews as the country’s tourism season begins to gradually pick up. Port authority officials will be carrying out regular inspections on board ferries traveling to the islands throughout the journey as well as at ports of departure and arrival.

• According to the ministry’s revised health protocols, ferries without cabin space can travel with 60% capacity while those with cabins at a 65% capacity. Inspections, which started on Friday at the country’s largest port in Piraeus, will intensify in the coming months as more visitors from abroad as well as Greeks decide to travel for the summer.

Vacationers planning to travel by ferry are advised to be at departure gates earlier due to health measures. It is reminded that all passengers will undergo temperature checks before boarding, will be required to fill in a special form and to practice social distancing throughout the ferry, and must wear a mask when inside the ship. Seating in airplane-type seats is allowed but passengers must maintain empty seating on either side, in front and behind the chosen seat.

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