Greece Tightens Covid-19 Controls at Airports, Ports, Highways

Photo © GTP

Greece has further intensified Covid-19 checks at airports, ports, and highways in view of the upcoming Easter holiday on May 2 and reports of a new virus variant from India found in the country. 

Port authorities are carrying out stiff coronavirus controls at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, according to the shipping ministry. At the same time, more than 10,000 police officers have been stationed along main roadways, sideways, and toll points with the help of helicopters and drones to ensure there is no illegal movement between regions ahead of Orthodox Easter. 

Domestic travel is currently banned in Greece until May 15 (tentative). Anyone attempting to travel outside their region of permanent residence will have to provide documentation. Press here for further information. 

Violators, including those presenting false or forged documents, face hefty fines and are turned back.

It should be noted that last week, AFP reported that a woman who had traveled to Dubai on April 4 was found to be Covid-19 positive in Athens with the Indian strain of the virus. In the last 24-hour period, Greece saw the number of new Covid-19 cases drop to 1,400 and 57 deaths.