Update – 28/07/2020

As of the latest update by the Greek authorities , the total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 4,227. 4 of these were found in the country’s entry points, the National Organization for Public Health (EODY) said in its daily bulletin on Monday. No new deaths were recorded by EODY and the overall number of fatalities stands at 202. The median age of those who died was 76 and 96 percent had an underlying illness and/or were aged over 70. The number of patients treated in intensive care units stands at 9, whose median age is 58, while 127 patients have left the intensive care unit.

Health authorities on the Aegean island of Lesvos said Tuesday that at least two people in the southern coastal town of Plomari have tested positive for coronavirus. The two confirmed cases are a couple returning to Lesvos from abroad. Local media said that the couple’s child and one more relative have also tested positive for Covid-19. Officials are working to trace the patients’ movements to see who else may have been exposed to risk.

MEASURES/RESTRICTIONS

• As Europe braces for a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and Greece sees a small but steady rise of infections, the government is examining the possibility of expanding the mandatory use of masks in more indoor spaces, in addition to supermarkets. “The rise in infections in urban centers reminds us that the virus is still here,” government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday. He said the “enemy” in the fight against the coronavirus is within, pointing to relaxed attitudes to safety measures. “In the next few days, if it is deemed necessary, the use of a mask will be made mandatory in more enclosed [public] spaces,” Petsas added. He said the matter is being discussed by the expert committee advising the government, which will issue its recommendation “in a matter of hours or days.”

TOURISM

• Greece will reopen cruise travel as of Saturday, August 1, Tourism Minister Haris Theocharis has confirmed. Cruise ships will be allowed to dock at the ports of Piraeus, Rhodos, Iraklio, Volos, Corfu and Katakolo. Ships will subsequently be able to visit any other Greek port on their itinerary. The rules could be reviewed depending on current epidemiological data, Theocharis said. He said cruise travel will abide with all the health and safety protocols set by the European Union due to coronavirus. On Monday, Theocharis referred to interest from tourists in countries such as the United States, Russia and Israel, reported by travel agencies.

ECONOMY

• Enterprises in the sectors of tourism and arts and entertainment recorded a significant reduction in turnover over the first five months of the year, because of the lockdown and the suspension of operation of many companies in that period. According to the weekly bulletin of financial developments published by Alpha Bank, the biggest decline in turnover was recorded in the sectors of real estate property management (down 71.3%), in accommodation and food services (61.4%), arts, entertainment and recreation (38.9%), administrative and supporting activities (27.6%), and transport and logistics (22.7%).

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