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16 Sep 2020 | 03:40 AM UTC

Greece: Authorities tighten restrictions in Attica region September 16 /update 32

Authorities tighten restrictions in Attica region, including Athens, from September 16; heed official instructions

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entry/exit
health
transportation
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Event

Authorities announced the tightening of restrictions in Attica region, including Athens, from Wednesday, September 16, due to an increase in cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The wearing of face masks, already mandatory in public indoor spaces and public transport, will now be required in crowded public spaces. Face masks will also be mandatory in all workplaces from Wednesday. Outdoor events may only operate at half capacity, and all attendees must wear a face mask. These measures will be in place for two weeks from Wednesday.

As of Tuesday, September 15, there have been 13,730 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, and 313 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