Greece to Carry Out Port and Ferry Inspections All Summer

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In view of rising Covid-19 cases and the emergence of the Delta variant in the country, the shipping ministry announced that it would be carrying out inspections on board ferries and at ports across the country throughout the summer.

Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis said an action plan was being drawn up together with the coastguard and which includes among others inspections on board ferries through to the end of September as well as on board private and professional marine craft to ensure compliance to safety protocols.

“We cannot allow the virus and its variants to stop our return to normalcy,” said Plakiotakis, urging all people living in Greece to get vaccinated and adhere to safety guidance and protocols so that travelers, crew and island communities remain safe.

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Updated rules for ferry travel to the Greek islands went into effect on Monday: adult passengers will be allowed to travel from the mainland to the Greek islands by ferry with either a vaccination or Covid-19 recovery certificate; a negative PCR test taken 72 hours ahead of travel; or a negative rapid antigen test taken 48 hours prior to trip.

The president of Greece’s national Public Health Organization (EODY) Panagiotis Arkoumaneas said earlier today that he expects over 1,500 new Covid-19 cases to be announced on Tuesday, adding that the viral load had increased significantly over the last few days.