Greece: Government reimposes lockdown, tightens domestic coronavirus-related restrictions Jan. 3-11 /update 36

Event

Authorities in Greece have issued orders to return the country to a strict lockdown and tighten certain other measures for a period of one week as part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The immediate goal of the move, which follows an earlier easing of some restrictions for the Christmas and New Year holiday period, is to improve the nation's epidemiological situation to the point where schools can open for in-person classes on Jan. 11. The tighter measures will be in force from 0600 Jan. 3 through 0600 Jan. 11.

Under the new directive, all non-essential businesses and services that had gradually been allowed to open for the holiday season must shut down for the duration of the measure; these include retail shops, hair and nail salons, barbershops, houses of worship, and vehicle safety inspection facilities, among other establishments. Curbside pick-up services for shoppers are also suspended.

The nation's nightly curfew will return to being in force between the hours of 2100-0500 after having been temporarily reduced to 2200-0500 during the holidays. During curfew hours, individuals may only leave their homes for essential reasons, such as performing their employment duties or seeking medical assistance. A general lockdown is in effect outside of curfew hours. Prior to leaving their homes, residents must receive approval from authorities by sending a text message to 13033 or obtain a certificate from their employer. Officials may grant text-based requests for essential reasons, including grocery shopping, medical appointments, or exercise.

Under previously existing rules, travel between regions remains prohibited with some exceptions, such as travel for essential work. Individuals traveling for these purposes must carry a certificate provided by their employer. Facemasks are mandatory in all public spaces.

With regard to international travel, Greece has temporarily reduced its mandatory quarantine period for arriving travelers from 10 days to three days; the reduced requirement will be in effect through Jan. 7. All passengers arriving in Greece must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Additionally, travelers must also take a rapid antigen test upon entry and comply with the self-isolation requirement, even if the test is negative. In the event a traveler receives a positive COVID-19 test result, the individual will need to self-isolate until authorities advise otherwise. All international travelers must also complete Greece's Passenger Locator Form. Authorities prohibit entry for all non-EEA nationals with certain exemptions, such as healthcare workers, permanent residents of an EU or Schengen Area country, diplomats, student visa holders, seasonal workers, passengers in transit, and transport workers. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Rwanda, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, the UAE, and Uruguay are also exempt from the travel ban.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Greek Government Coronavirus Portal (Greek)
Financial Measures Introduced by Authorities
World Health Organization (WHO)
General Secretariat for Civil Protection
Passenger Locator Form
Schengen Area Countries