Costa Nostrum: Proposals for post-Covid-19 Operation Protocol for Greek Beaches

Ahead of the summer season, the Costa Nostrum organization has announced proposals for Greece to establish a post-Covid-19 Operation Protocol for the safe operation of public swimming areas, as well as beaches operated by hotels across the country.

Costa Nostrum is a certification standard for the sustainable management and development of beaches in the Mediterranean. The organization’s guidelines aim to safeguard public health and faciliate the adaptation to the rules set by the Greek State and international organizations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The purpose of these proposals is to protect public health and to adapt to the terms and rules set by the Greek State and international organizations for the protection against the spread of the coronavirus,” Costa Nostrum CEO – Founder Vassilis Zisimopoulos said.

For the operation of organized beaches managed by hotel units and public organized beaches operated by municipalities or municipal organizations, Costa Nostrum recommends:

• A 3-meter distance is maintained between each permanent set of umbrellas & sunbeds on the beach,
• Each individual (child or adult) occupies an area of 10sq.m. on the free part of the beach,
• Wooden or plastic sunbeds are used,
• The entire set of umbrellas & sunbeds is disinfected after use by specially trained staff with an isopropyl alcohol solution. A 20-minute wait period is also recommended before new bathers occupy an umbrella and sunbed set.

The organization also recommends that municipal beaches maintain a 15-meter distance between public showers and swimmers.

Furthermore, Costa Nostrum encourages the collaboration between hotels and specialized call centers for effective response to COVID-19 issues.

For public unorganized beaches in Greece, Costa Nostrum proposes that:

• Each individual (child or adult) occupies an area of 10sq.m. on the beach,
• Individuals avoid any interaction with street vendors on the beach,
• Individuals avoid the use of indoor public showers and locker rooms,
• A distance of at least 15 meters is maintained between public showers and swimmers.

The recommendations will be subject to revision by Costa Nostrum, as soon as new information is released on the Covid-19 virus by the World Health Organization.

The proposals were compiled with the contribution of Emmanouil Loubounis, Public Health Physician in the Directorate of Public Health of the Region of Crete, and medical services provider Cretan Medicare.