More Covid-19 Measures Announced in Greece

Greek Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias on Tuesday announced additional measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), as confirmed cases in the country continue an upward trend.

Greece recorded 469 new Covid-19 cases in the past week alone, according to data provided by Hardalias.

“We are here because there are signs that concern us and we want everyone to be aware, we want to clearly describe the situation and the data,” he said during a televised briefing, however clarifying that the government would not be providing daily Covid-19 updates as in the past.

“We are not in a lockdown so there is a need to be here every afternoon and we hope that such a need will not arise again,” the deputy minister said.

New measures

Hardalias then announced additional measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus in Greece:

– As of Wednesday, August 5, it will be prohibited to enter Greece through the Kakavia border station (Albania) from 11pm until 7am.
– Travelers entering Greece from Albania (Kakavia border) will be obliged, as of August 16, to self-isolate at the places of residence they have declared on their PLF forms.
– The measure setting the limit of 100 guests at attend weddings and baptisms has been extended until August 31.
– Events on all types of ships are prohibited, while passengers are obliged to wear masks in all areas.

He added that there is the possibility of closing bars and clubs earlier, on a local level, depending on epidemiological risks.

Deputy minister reminds all to wear masks

Greek Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias.

Hardalias reminded that wearing face masks is mandatory for both employees and the public in the following cases:

– In offices where there is contact with the public, both in public services and in private companies. – In places of worship (churches).
– In supermarkets and grocery stores.
– In public transport and taxis.
– In hospitals, clinics and medical centers.
– In retail stores.
– In pharmacies and beauty salons.
– In elevators and any other enclosed spaces.

Employees in restaurants and gyms are also obliged to wear face masks at all times.

It is noted that those who do not wear a face mask in the above spaces, will be required to pay a fine of 150 euros.

It is also recommended for citizens to wear face masks on stairwells and also in open spaces when the necessary distances between one another can not be kept.

Greek health authorities on Tuesday recorded 121 new Covid-19 infections, raising the total number to 4,855. The death toll in the country stands at 209.