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How Greece comes out of quarantine: latest news

We will not look far back , because it is no longer so relevant. From the latest: since May 25, all taverns and cafeterias have opened in Greece, which during the quarantine period could only work in delivery mode. Thousands of local residents have visited all these establishments since the first day of operation. This is especially noticeable in photos and videos from large cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki. The inhabitants of Hellas really missed the traditional long coffee drinking in a pleasant company in cozy cafes overlooking the ancient ruins or the sea coast.

As promised, the number of domestic flights has increased and ferry service between the islands has finally been established, returning to its usual schedule.

 

From June 1, all students went to school. Usually, the academic year in the country lasted from September 15 to June 15, but due to the coronavirus in Greece from the beginning of March to the end of April, it was decided to extend the study until June 26. Kindergartens were also opened, which most parents dreamed about for almost 3 months.

Among other things, year-round hotels are allowed to operate from the first day of summer. And this means that tourism, which has been most affected by the coronavirus pandemic in the world, is resuming its work. According to available information, seasonal hotels will start their activities from June 15, but for now they are preparing for the opening of the season, which this year has been a little delayed.

Trip to Greece 2020! As it will be?

The situation with coronavirus in Greece today is as stable as possible. As of June 1, only 2 new cases of the disease have been recorded in the country. Over the past month, although the numbers have grown, but very slightly. There were days when there were no cases of infection at all, and these statistics cannot but rejoice. It is worth noting that Greece is one of the first countries to open its borders to tourists this year.

 

On the positives:

  • Since May 25, the catering system has resumed its activities with restrictions (restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars). From June 15, establishments will be allowed to work fully - with landing indoors, and not just on the street.
  • Since May 18, archaeological zones have been opened for visiting, incl. and the famous Acropolis of Athens.
  • From June 15, international flights will start landing at the two largest airports in the country - in Athens and Thessaloniki. By the way, at first it was announced that only the airport of the capital would open, and after a couple of weeks, all the rest. But, given the positive dynamics, it was decided to lift the restrictions earlier.
  • Most importantly, a list of 29 countries has been published whose citizens will be allowed to enter Greece from June 15: Australia, Austria, Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, Israel, Cyprus, China, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, North Macedonia, Malta, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Croatia, Montenegro, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Estonia, South Korea, Japan.

The list was formed on the basis of the recommendations of the Greek Committee for Infectious Diseases, taking into account the epidemiological situation in different countries. So far, we do not see Russian-speaking countries here, but, as the Minister of Tourism of Greece, Haris Feoharis, announced, we are talking only about the first wave of tourism. The list will be significantly expanded by July 1.

Most likely, from the beginning of July, anyone from all countries of the world will be able to enter Greece, excluding only those in which by the specified date there will be the most tense situation with the coronavirus.

 

Security measures and restrictions

As for restrictive measures, they will mainly concern hotels and catering establishments, as well as retail outlets. Travelers will not be affected in any way. Information about the introduction of mandatory "health passports" for those entering the country has been refuted by the Greek government. Entry into the country for tourists will be open from mid-June. At the same time, the Ministry of Tourism reserved the right of the authorities to selectively check visitors for coronavirus. Again, only when absolutely necessary. But hotels will be required to have a “Health First” certificate, confirming their readiness to meet tourists according to the rules established by the sanitary services.

And for dessert: on June 2, it became known that Greece is ready to bear the costs in cases where one of the tourists is unlucky and becomes infected. People with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus will be accommodated in specially designated hotels. The country will pay for their accommodation, food and medicines from its own budget. The corresponding decree will come into force on June 15.

Therefore, if you are deciding whether to cancel a trip to Greece in the 2020 season due to the coronavirus, then think carefully, is it worth it? After all, countries are gradually emerging from quarantine, Europe is opening its borders, the air temperature even in Northern Greece has long been above 24 degrees, and the water in the sea is warming up at an incredible speed. There is very little left, and it will be possible to again enjoy the beautiful Greek nature and the cleanest beaches away from everyday work and worries.