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Post by daveh on Apr 12, 2020 5:47:35 GMT 2
Currently 2081 cases and sadly 93 deaths. Whilst our figures are still light there are a couple of places where there is a problem in Greece; one being a migrant camp and the other a Roma settlement in Larissa; both are in total quarantine. There are also rumours that the Turks are trying to push infected refugees over the boarder into Greece....its made the press but nothing has been confirmed as yet.
Easter approaches, Palm Sunday here today but the Churches remain closed and services will be on TV. I don't know if there will b e a truncated Parade in Town today.....will watch the tv and see what is shown.....maybe a repeat from last year!
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Post by daveh on Apr 15, 2020 6:01:55 GMT 2
Good Friday the Bishop of Corfu held a tv service in St Spiriodon. He had a congregation of about 20 mostly film on mobiles including the Mayor. Many of them took communion. This has led to prosecutions and the Bishop is to appear in Court on 25th May.
Meanwhile the PM says we are to all spend Easter at home.
Cases in Greece now 2170 with 101 deaths.
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Post by daveh on Apr 19, 2020 6:08:24 GMT 2
New cases really dropping off here in Greece, three days in 20s and just 11 yesterday. Deaths are at 110. Talk about relaxing isolation after 27th but the big problem will be when to let in tourists as all the good work done in Greece could be ruined overnight if the virus returns.
The tv news showed the pot smashing in Corfu Town.....there were fewer pots by look of it and of course a very small gathering to watch; tv and press photographers and locals who had timed their exercise walk to coinside with the event.
H Locally midnight arrived with the sound of fireworks and gunshot lasting for nearly 15 minutes before quiet returned. Today all will be indoors feasting on Lamb following the end of Lent.
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Post by daveh on Apr 24, 2020 6:10:05 GMT 2
Well we had a week with just 100 new cases and all was looking good. However one of those cases was a Somalian at a camp and they tested everyone. So on Tuesday we had 156 new cases (150 from the same camp which was immediately locked down). Just 7 cases on Wednesday but 50+ yesterday with a further 27 at that last migrant camp and 13 at a clinic in Athens (where one of them died). The death toll has risen to 125.
There is still talk of reducing the lockdown as most of Greece and the vast majority of Islands including Corfu are in a very good situation. This will be effective from 4th May and could include open cinemas, more shops, possible some schools and bars. We will wait and see...… the big debate and the one affecting a big percentage of the population is tourism but that is unlikely at present due to the problems elsewhere in Europe.
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Post by smg on Apr 24, 2020 23:42:20 GMT 2
this summer cannot happen, it would be irresponsible of the airlines , travellers and also business owners to return to ‘ normal ‘ too soon.
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Post by daveh on Apr 27, 2020 6:16:02 GMT 2
I do agree to some extent as there will have to be restrictions in place; the EU start discussions tomorrow to get full agreement on common practice. This is thought to include pre-flight tests e.g. temperature and blood, before you can fly; restrictions on numbers on a plane, tour bus, around pool, in breakfast areas etc. Greece are to open year round Hotels from the beginning of June and seasonal hotels from end of June.
Lockdown to be in stages; next week, small shops and hairdressers (why them when you cannot social distance when having a haircut!). Mid May cafes and restaurants but seating outside only and spaced; senior schools and unis to open so children can prepare for exams in June. Decision on other schools still to be taken as they need to coincide with full return to work of parents and need decisions re numbers in classes and on buses. Public transport may also restrict numbers on buses and trains and therefore need to add in extra services.
Corfu had its 1st reported virus death yesterday; a 53 year old. Number of cases here still only a handful. In Greece the total is now 2517 cases and 134 dead. Recent increases were mainly at the clinic and Roma settlement.
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Post by daveh on Apr 29, 2020 6:19:18 GMT 2
The easing of lockdown begins.......what you need to know is that Tourism is planned to start in early July (suject to the International flights) but with severe restrictions and rules in place.....staff must wear masks at all times for example. How this will be enforced is another matter!!!
Other changes: May DAy celebrtions postponed until 9th May.
from 4 May; more shops open; can go Church for individual prayer; car driver + 2. Must stay in your area.
from 11 May; senior students return. Rest of small retail shops.
from 17 May: Churches opn but restrictions will be in place (again who will monitor them?)
from 18 May; other schools (except primary and kindergarden); zoos, botatical gardens, archelogical sites, gambling facilities. Travel outside areas will be allowed but likely Islands will only be accessible to residents.
from 1 June; cafes, bars and restaurants but use of outside areas only. Shopping malls and dept stores. Year round hotels.
It is hoped that they will do the following in early June; open cinemas, theatres, entertainment centres, gyms etc. Start domestic flights; open Primary schools and kindergardens; ferry travel to Islands; group sports (non professional); year round Hotels on Islands if they have a sufficient health structure.
End June.....International flights; Pro Football but with restrictions.
Early July......Tourism but restrictions.
Large events like Pop Concerts, festivals, sports events are unlikely to be allowed this summer.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL WATCH CLOSELY THE REACTION OF THE PEOPLE AND REVIEW THESE DECISIONS EVERY 24 HOURS. Press say it is STRICT RULES BUT LAX ENFORCEMENT.
The full details of the restrictions are not yet available in English but should be later today so I will see tomorrow.
Cases in Greece 2566 (increase mainly due to repatriated citizens and in the infected camps and Roma settlement) and 138 deaths.
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Post by daveh on Apr 30, 2020 6:05:16 GMT 2
The key Rule is that you must wear a mask to use public transport, taxi, go in a shop or any closed or confined space. Rules vague as to exactly when or where as say should or must consider so its best to have a mask with you at all times. Fine for no mask is 150€!!!!!!
Taxis------big problem at moment say for an airport transfer. The Rule is 1 passenger only, unless parent with minors or escort someone for medical reasons. where is time for this to be changed before tourists allowed.
Social distancing still applies and people will be expected to give 2 metre gap everywhere including on the beach; loungers should be spaced accordingly and not moved.
Cases in Greece 2576 and 139 deaths.
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Post by daveh on May 2, 2020 6:26:07 GMT 2
Lots of Rules were published re use of car; where you can travel too etc. In Athens for example they want people to use cars when back to work (max 3 in car) rather than the Public transport as they still want social distancing so will not allow a bus or train to get more than 30% full (and you can only enter bus by middle or rear doors). ALso they want to restrict the distances people drive, so now visiting Islands nor travel too far; they set out guidelines. Big fines for offenders.
They also issued lots or Rules around sport and Professional football.....these are effective from 4th May....I didn't understand what they were and haven't seen anything in the Press I read.
The number of cases increased to 2612 and the deaths to 140.
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Post by daveh on May 4, 2020 5:52:02 GMT 2
The virus is quietening down here with the figures now 2626 cases and 144 deaths.
There are still 1008 people locked down in quarantine though. These are people in close areas where there was an outbreak; i.e those in the migrant settlemet; the Roma settlement and the Private Clinic as well as one small village. It is mainly from these areas and Greeks still returning home that new cases arrive from.
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Post by daveh on May 4, 2020 6:24:19 GMT 2
The face mask Rules. These are more stringent than when under lockdown now we are moving slowly from "stay home" to "stay safe".
It is COMPULSORY to wear a mask when using; Public Transport, Taxis, Elevators (in fact can only use elevator if no moving stairs available), Hospitals, Clinics, Drs etc, Supermarket e'ees unless deal entirely with packeted foods, Retail shop employees.
In all other cases and for customers the use of masks is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. As there are fines of 150€ for not wearing a mask it is best to have one on you at all times. Some shops my insist on use of mask before they let you in as the law is vague in some respects.
This now brings me to the biggest laugh I have had in some time. The Greek Deputy Health Minister said " we must now learn to live with masks just like we learnt to use crash helmets and seatbelts". That would have been a great one liner for a stand up comedian in Greece!!!!
From today it is only change to greater freedom of movement (within your prefecture); no need for carrying papers (or SMS) saying why out and where going; more small shops are open; cars can now have 3 inside (I have seen this since they announce last week though); churches can open but only for individual prayer; use of beaches is allowed (people have been doing this for ages too) but 'organised beaches' are still closed.
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Post by smg on May 6, 2020 21:52:48 GMT 2
Looking at comments on other forums I am staggered at the number of people determined to holiday on Corfu asap. I know people love the island and the people who live there, I know businesses need to be working but at present the people of Corfu appear to be safe from the disease.. No matter what tests and restrictions are put into place someone from somewhere will slip through and take the disease to the island. Once this happens and the spread follows how will the hospital cope ? How many intensive care beds are there? (Not many I know that) What then happens when the inevitable lockdown is put back into place ? How will all these people get home again, leaving the disease behind them ? I know this view will be seen as negative by some but how can people who profess to love Corfu and it’s peopke be so reckless and selfish?
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Post by daveh on May 7, 2020 6:13:43 GMT 2
I do agree; the airlines are pushing for no restrictions i.e. full planes if they can sell seats; even with a Dr letter and or a test result there will be as you say a risk somebody will slip through and spread the virus. Also the UK is the most likely source of that at the moment.
AFter our first day of easing lockdown the number of new cases went back up into double figures. There were 21 new cases but it transpires that 11 of them were at a military hospital. We need to see what impact the ease has over its first full week. The current figures are 2663 cases, 147 deaths. There are just 36 in hospital in the MEO (intensive care).
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Post by daveh on May 9, 2020 6:24:53 GMT 2
The EU have agreed there will be closed Boarders until at least 15th June...…..while the UK says any arrivals into UK must have a 14 day total isolation (quarantine) following arrival. The airlines cannot agree on safe seating......Air Lingus had an almost full plane from Belfast to Heathrow (caused a storm) and others are saying flying planes regularly with less than 50% occupancy in unviable financially. This seems to make Greece idea of accepting tourists from 1st July if EU agree a flying protocol as unlikely.
Cases staying low in Greece after 5 days of relaxation......now 2691 cases and 150 deaths in total. Three of the recent new cases were Sweish nationals in Athens.
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Post by daveh on May 10, 2020 6:34:17 GMT 2
Speaking at an online event of the youth organization of ruling New Democracy, Theoharis stressed that the pandemic makes the setting of rules for the tourists’ arrivals necessary and that these health protocols must be respected. He said that the health protocols have been prepared in collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Commission of the Greek National Health Organization EODY.
These protocols have already been submitted to tourism agencies for consultation and submission of proposals on their side, the Minister added. Flights In order for a passenger to board a flight from abroad to Greece, he must have received a health certificate within the last 72 hours that he is not a carrier of COVID-19. Without this certificate, he will not be allowed to board. There will be no vacant seats on flights to, from or within Greece, ie their capacity will be full so that air transport is economically viable. Passengers will not be served food for flights for up to four hours, but only packaged snacks. Greeks who want to travel abroad should also be tested 72 hours before boarding the plane. Greece’s request is that no COVID-19 test be conducted when tourists leave Greece. Tourists should be tested when they return to their own countries. Tourists will leave the country without any control, so that there will be no risk of being trapped in the country and stay in quarantine. “After all, this would be a disincentive to choosing our country as a holiday destination,” the minister said. Hotels “Quarantine hotels” in every tourist area The Ministry of Tourism will rent a tourist accommodation in each tourist area of the country which will function as a “quarantine hotel.” Tourists who are found to be carriers of the coronavirus will be transferred there. Each hotel or tourist accommodation will be obliged to contract with a doctor, who will determine whether a tourist must undergo a COVID-19 test. The diagnosis will be either live or via telemedicine. The test results will be released within six hours so that anyone who is tested positive can be transferred to “quarantine hotels”. Special training in hygiene rules will be provided to the staff of each hotel. There will be no buffets in the hotels, except in small hotels. Sunbeds will be installed at a safety distance to each other and will have a disposable cover for each swimmer.
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