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28 Jul 2020 | 11:40 PM UTC

Greece: Greece to reopen six ports to cruise ships August 1 /update 29

Greek authorities announce reopening of six ports to cruise ships from August 1; confirm travel itineraries

Warning
entry/exit
health
transportation
GRC

Event

Greece's Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis announced on Tuesday, July 28, that Greece will reopen six ports to cruise ships on Saturday, August 1. The ports of Piraeus, Rhodes, Heraklion, Volos, Corfu, and Katakolo will be open and cruise ships will be permitted to visit any or all of the ports. After their first mooring, cruise ships will then be allowed to moor at any other Greek port included in their itinerary. The decision could be reversed should there be a change in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation. 

Greek authorities announced on July 28, that face masks will be mandatory in more indoor public spaces from Wednesday, July 29, following a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. As well as being compulsory on public transport and in supermarkets, as of Wednesday the wearing of face masks will be compulsory in offices, retail shops, bakeries, food stores, and banks. According to Greek authorities, the country is not currently facing a second wave of the virus, but the restriction was introduced as a precautionary measure.

As of July 28, there have been 4,227 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, and 202 associated fatalities. Further international 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:


  • Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.

  • When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.

  • 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.

Analysis