Greece summer 2020

During the pandemic of Covid-19, that affects the entire planet, Greece has timely taken all necessary measures that intercepted effectively its spread in the country. Thus, until today, Greece reports less than 3.000 cases 175 deaths in total.

See here detailed data about the evolution of the pandemic in Greece.

Now, after the successful management of the health crisis, the Greek government proceeds gradually to the lift of measures taken against the spread of Covid-19 throughout Greece and leads the country to normalcy. The government has announced a two-month plan in order to open again Greece’s market in several stages.

Greece’s return to normalcy has started from May 4 with the opening of some shops and services, such as bookstores, electronic stores and hair salons. More shops and services have opened on May 11, while as of May 18 large shopping malls, archaeological sites etc. re-opened. At the same time, the land and air connection between the areas of the continental Greece and the ferry connection with Crete and Evia has been permitted, while as of May 25 transition to/from all the other Greek islands will be permitted. In addition, as of May 25, the re-opening of restaurants, cafes and bars has started. On June 1st summer cinemas are open, on June 15th museums, while on July 15th cultural events start in open areas.

The plan of the government for a gradual lifting of the measures, relies on monitoring developments of the gradual return to normalcy on a 24-hour basis. At all events, the Greek government requests the respect of social distancing between shop owners and customers; to limit the number of customers per footage when indoors; and to mandatorily use a mask in public transports, taxis and hospitals; and when visiting public services and shops.

Till all restrictions are lifted
Previous restrictions will still apply during Greece’s gradual return to normalcy and lifting each one will be carefully examined and announced to the public.

Year-round hotels and campings re-open as of June 1st, while seasonal hotels/resorts open as of June 15th.
Flights from abroad will start in two stages: on June 15th flights to “Eleftherios Venizelos” Athens International Airport (ATH) will start, and “Macedonia” Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) from countries with good epidemiological features (see the list of these countries here, while as of July 1st flights to all Greek airports and from all countries will start, with the exception of those presenting negative epidemiological features. For the entrance of visitors in Greece, there will be no condition of any type of test or the imposition of any quarantine, while only sample tests for epidemiological monitoring will be effected.

Until then, a 14-day quarantine is imposed.
The ban for private or professional sailboats departing or docking at Greece’s ports has ceased to apply as of May 25th, while for cruise-ships is extended until further notice.
We have gathered all the answers to questions you might have in order to prepare better for your trip. Take a look here. 

#greecefromhome

First priority remains always our health and the one of our loved ones. We stay safe and stay connected until Greece is able to welcome you again. We communicate, be inspired and learning – now we need it more than ever before.
Visit Greece team advises you to #Continuedreaming and visit Greece from home via our #Greecefromhome webpage.

Travelers advice
The risk for travelers is considered high. It is recommended that travelers avoid nonessential travel to areas with local transmission of COVID-19. There is no vaccine against this novel corona virus.

If you are travelling to areas with local transmission of COVID-19, you should:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or a disinfectant, especially after coughing or sneezing, before handling and consuming food.
Avoid any contact with patients who are ill with respiratory symptoms.
During your stay in areas with local transmission of COVID-19 you should:
Postpone your trip if you have fever and/or respiratory symptoms, such as cough or you have difficulty to breathe.

Cover your mouth and your nose with a tissue or with your elbow (not with your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid any contact with other persons if you have fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as cough or you have difficulty to breathe.

After your return from areas with local transmission of COVID-19:
Watch your health constantly for 14 days.
In case you have fever and/or respiratory symptoms, such as respiratory failure or cough 14 days after your return, it is recommended to stay at home and seek immediately medical care, mentioning your recent trip or communicate with the National Public Health Organisation in Greece (1135, 210-5212054).