Greek Organized Beaches to Reopen with Rules

While gradually easing Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, the Greek government on Wednesday announced that it plans to reopen the country’s organized beaches – with social distancing rules -this weekend.

The announcement was made following a recommendation of the Health Ministry’s infectious disease committee in view of the high temperatures that are expected in Greece the coming days.

According to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the government has allowed for businesses that operate beaches and provide related services (renting umbrellas and sunbeds) to reopen to serve bathers.

From 8 am on Saturday, May 16, 515 organized beaches in Greece will operate under the following terms and conditions:

– The number of bathers entering beaches must be recorded and not exceed 40 people per 1,000 sq.m.
– The minimum distance between beach umbrellas must be 4 meters, while the minimum distance between the perimeter of the shadow of two umbrellas must be 1 meter.

– Each umbrella may have up to 2 sunbeds, with the exception of families with minors.
– The minimum distance between two sunbeds from different beach umbrellas must be 1.5 meters.
– Beach bars and canteens selling refreshments, coffee, etc, must only offer take away services.
– Only packaged products can be sold to bathers. On site food preparation is prohibited.
– It is forbidden to sell alcoholic beverages.
– Delivery at these points is prohibited.
– It is not allowed to have tables and chairs on site.
– The minimum distance between customers waiting to be served must be 1.5 meters.

– There is a strong recommendation for employees to wear facemasks.
– Staff at organized beaches is obliged to disinfect the sunbeds – chairs after each customer. Employees are also obliged to regularly clean and disinfect the restrooms.
– All bathers must place a towel on the sunbed they use.
– Team sports with physical contact are prohibited.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection reminds that in order to protect public health from the spread of the coronavirus, it is necessary for bathers keep the necessary distances between one another, avoid crowding and to to comply with all hygiene rules.