Minister: Covid-19 Checks Continue on Board Greek Ferries

Covid-19 testing on board ferries traveling to the Greek islands, mask wearing inside ships, as well as measures to limit crowding at small island ports are being implemented, said Maritime and Island Policy Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis.

The minister said coast guard officials would continue coronavirus screening on board all ferries during the entire summer period, adding however that the number of virus incidents on the islands “were not worrying, our islands are safe. We will continue to protect the health of passengers, crew members, especially of the islanders, we are not complacent. We will continue with extensive controls, and of course, the Coast Guard will be present during the embarkation and disembarkation but also during the voyages”.

Plakiotakis said the ministry was in continuous cooperation with epidemiologists and health experts, revising when necessary the health protocols for ferry transport services. He added that relevant announcements were expected in the coming days.

The minister also reminded that all passengers are required by law to wear masks inside the ship and optionally outside as long as 1.5 meter distancing is observed.

“Keeping distances when boarding, disembarking, wearing our mask inside the ship, I think are measures we can all follow. Protecting ourselves must become part of our daily lives. If we follow the basic restrictive measures, we will be able to address the risk of spread to a great extent,” he added.