22 Jul 2020 | 01:47 AM UTC
Greece: Authorities tighten entry restrictions on land borders July 21 /update 27
Greek government introduces stricter controls on land borders to prevent spread of COVID-19 from northern neighbors from July 21; confirm travel itineraries
Event
The Greek government has introduced stricter border controls at its land borders for at least two weeks from midnight (local time) on Tuesday, July 21. The measures have been taken amid fears over an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in neighboring Balkan countries. Essential travel into Greece will only be permitted at the Kakavia, Krystallopigi, Evzoni, Promachonas, Nymfaia, and Kipi checkpoints. Greek citizens, those with residence permits, or holders of an Expatriate Identity Card will be required to complete a passenger locator form as well as an electronic advance notice form when crossing the border.
New health and hygiene measures have been implemented for air, road, train, and sea travel in Greece. Face masks have been made mandatory for all passengers while traveling and social distancing measures remain in place.
As of July 21, health authorities have confirmed 4048 COVID-19 cases with 197 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.
Context
The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.
Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.
Advice
Measures adopted by
local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately.
Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are
likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers
are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival
to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due
to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine
upon their arrival or during their stay.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:
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Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water. |
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When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. |
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If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease. |
