Greece Closes Ports to Cruise Ships, Suspends Flights to Spain and Albania

Greece on Sunday decided additional measures to limit entry to the country in its aim to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The country on early Sunday counted its fourth death from the coronavirus. Until now there are 228 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Greece.

A series of new measures were announced in response to the coronavirus on Sunday during a meeting in Athens between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and a number of the government’s ministers.

Travel restrictions

Photo © GTP

As regards to entry in the country, the government has decided to suspend all flights to and from Spain until March 29.

The government also announced the suspension of all road, sea and air links with Albania and Northern Macedonia. The transport of goods and the entry of persons of Greek nationality or residence are exempt from the ban.

Extending further a ban on travel to and from Italy, the Greek government decided to suspend ferry services between the two countries. The transport of goodsis exempt from the ban.

The government also decided to implement a ban on all cruise ships and sailboats docking at its ports.

Photo © GTP

Moreover, the PM discussed with his ministers ways to tackle the overcrowding in super markets and farm markets to avoid the spread of the virus.

The government also announced that new wings in public hospitals – exclusively for the treatment of coronavirus cases – will be put into operation.

Regarding church services, the Greek PM contacted Archbishop Ieronymos and requested for all temples to operate strictly for individual worshiping purposes. The matter is to be discussed at tomorrow’s extraordinary session of the Holy Synod.

In addition, it was announced that those who fail to follow all the measures the Greek government has so far announced to stop the spread of the coronavirus will be slapped with a fine of 5,000 euros.