Greece: Authorities extend domestic COVID-19-related restrictions indefinitely from Jan. 15 /update 39

Event

Greek authorities announced an indefinite extension to the nation's existing domestic lockdown Jan. 15 as part of efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Under the measures, a nightly curfew is in place 2100-0500, during which individuals may only leave their homes for essential reasons, such as performing their employment duties or seeking medical assistance. 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. Residents are currently barred from leaving their home prefectures, except for essential purposes, including work. Facemasks are mandatory in all public spaces. From Jan. 18, nonessential retail services are permitted to reopen 0700-2000 with strict limits on customer numbers, though they remain limited to collection services only in certain areas of increased transmission risk.

International entry restrictions are also in place at least until Jan. 21. 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 and self-isolate for seven days. Additionally, all arrivals from the UK must take a rapid antigen test upon entry and comply with the self-isolation requirement, even if the test is negative; random checks of arrivals from other locations will also take place. A second test, taken up to seven days after arrival, may be applicable. Should a traveler receive a positive COVID-19 test result, they must self-isolate for at least 14 days. All international travelers must also complete Greece's Passenger Locator Form.

Entry is currently prohibited 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, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, 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