Greek Authorities Mull Harsher Covid-19 Measures for August 15 Holiday

Greek Government Spokesman Stelios Petsas. Photo source: media.gov.gr

Greek health authorities may announce harsher measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) ahead of the August 15 holiday which marks the largest mass exodus of the year in Greece.

Speaking on Thursday to the press, Government Spokesperson Stelios Petsas said there would be no hesitation to beef up measures if citizens and visitors fail to adhere to the current controls.

“If we relax, we will end up paying for it,” he said, adding that authorities were focusing all attention and newly announced measures on three main areas of concern: increased non-essential movement at Greek land borders by Greek and Balkan country nationals; crowded conditions at gatherings and events, weddings, and bars; and lastly, on mass means of transport, which he said will be addressed when Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis meets with transport ministry officials on Friday to discuss the possibility of increasing the frequency of transport routes to decrease waiting times and avoid crowding.

According to Petsas, the final decision regarding August 15 measures will be announced this coming Monday (August 10) after the weekly meeting with the prime minister, ministers, and the Covid-19 health committee.

Petsas reminded that when the government decided to ease measures in April, it was stressed that the virus was here to stay. He urged vigilance and dedicated adherence to hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing.

At the same time, he said, the government’s plan to resume economic and social activity will be constantly assessed and updated based on epidemiological data.

On Wednesday, Greece reported 124 new Covid-19 infections with a high rate in Attica (22 cases) and Northern Greece (22 cases).