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Post by daveh on May 11, 2020 6:21:46 GMT 2
From today Senior Schools and Uni's re-open plus smaller retail outlets. Compared to Uk where Boris says they plan to open Primary Schools in June...…..over here they are considering not bother to open the Primary which are due to be the last Schools to open on basis they can easiest afford to miss a few months and catch up next school year.
Our cases since partial ease of lockdown a week ago have been good; just 84 cases and 5 deaths in the week with current totals for Greece 2716 and 151 deaths. They do seem to be managing the situation well using medical data as a basis of decisions rather than the economy; which had just started to recover. Elsewhere the economy seems to be the priority!
Meanwhile in Greece they have also extended the quarantine period imposed on locked down migrant camps that had infections until the 21st May at the earliest.
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Post by daveh on May 12, 2020 6:01:26 GMT 2
Greece’s Tourism Ministry has prepared a safety and hygiene “protocol for hotels and tourist accommodations” that will have to be implemented during this year’s season amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 16-page long protocol has been based on recommendations of the Greek National Health Organization EODY. The protocol covers all sectors of hotels operation service from reception area and check-in, to restaurants and bars, swimming pools and sunbeds, floor service such as rooms and common areas cleaning up to customers transfer. The strict measures have to be implemented at all levels of operation of hotels and other tourist facilities.
Each tourist accommodation, regardless of size and specifications, must set its own protocol following the general instructions of the ministry, daily ethnos reports. Tourists will be surprised that they will not experience the same service as they had in the past. Aim of the strict implementation is the protection of both the staff and the visitors. Cleaning Service Among other things, the ministry and the EODY experts suggest: “no frequent cleaning of the room to avoid contact of the cleaning personnel with a potential infected cases and possible transmission of the coronavirus. “abolition of daily change of bed sheets and towels” and of “preparation for the night unless customer requests it.” Removal of all decorative and objects for common use (pillows, printed menus, magazines, etc.) as well as coffee appliances, kettles and all products from the mini bar. a single-use cover should be installed on remote controls devices of TV air conditioner controls. Textile surfaces (eg furniture upholstery) must be cleaned in a steam appliance with temperature > 70°C. The management of the hotel must use a sign indicating when and how room was cleaned, but also to place antiseptic liquids or an antiseptic device in each room. Cleaning staff are advised to use a simple surgical mask (in the case of surgical mask availability, the use of canvas is recommended), gloves and a disposable waterproof robe. During the work, the cleaning staff should not touch the mouth, nose, or eyes with their hands, smoke, or eat. The management must keep a record of both the employees and all the people living in the hotel (name, nationality, arrival and departure details, contact details such as address, telephone and e-mail), in order to facilitate communication with the close contracts in case any Covid-19 infection may be identified afterwards. Reception, Check-in Recommended is the use of plexiglass in the reception area for tourist accommodation with a capacity of 60 beds and above as well as floor marking at a distance of two meters where the customer will stand. Recommended is the development of alternatives to traditional check-in with the use of portable devices that can be more easily disinfected after each use or other automatic devices and the placing of portable POS in a point near the customer for the exclusive use of payment cards. Proposed is to consider the possibility of check-in in the open air. Those who do not live there will be barred from entering the accommodation. Restaurants For the operation of the restaurants, proposed is the intensive washing of hand towels, tablecloths and all the cutlery even of those not used. Alternatively is the use of packed cutlery and one use tablecloths, packed food portions, where it is possible. For the arrangement of the tables and chairs (except for families) recommended is a distance bigger than 1.5 meters (chairs back to back). Distance between customers sitting face to face distance of 1.5 meters is recommended. To avoid crowding, it is recommended to extend the hours of restaurants operation and with rotating attendance of customers. Hotels should emphasize and encourage room service at no extra charge. Buffets are not recommended, hence serving of new meals. For the consumption of beverages at the bars, nuts etc should be offered only in individual packages. For playgrounds and other facilities for children, it is recommended that their suspension be considered on a case-by-case basis. In the event that they operate, there should be a restriction on the number of children in outdoor playgrounds. Swimming pools Layout of seats such as sunbeds, chairs, etc. should be with a distance of 2 meters and it depends whether people share the same room or not. Sunbeds should be disinfected after each use. They should be covered with a special disposable cloth before placing the towel which also should cover the whole surface. Restricted is the number of swimmers in the outdoor pools, that is one swimmer per 2.5 cubic meters. In indoor pools the proportion is 2 swimmers per 20 square meters. Passengers’ transport A special protocol will also be applied for hotel customer transport services. For vehicles up to 5 seats: one customer plus the driver. exception: second passenger permitted if accompanies a person in need of assistance. Vehicles with 6 or 7 seats: two passengers plus driver Vehicles with 8 or 9 seats: three passengers plus driver. Exceptions are made only if passengers are parents with minor children. The use of medical protection masks is mandatory for both the passengers and the driver. See also ⇒ Greece reveals health protocols for flights and hotels All-year hotels are scheduled to open on June 1, seasonal accommodation facilities on July 1.
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Post by daveh on May 12, 2020 6:06:39 GMT 2
Re the above new regulations for the tourist season if it happens...…..I already hear from some small apartments that due to the costs involved for them, e.g steam cleaning; extra costs should a guest go down with virus in being shut down again while deep clean etc they will not be opening this season; understandably.
There is also plans to have one accommodation in each area solely for use as a quarantine centre to transfer virus infected guests to that will have medical staff in situ.
Reading how rules will impact on your holiday may make you decide to just stay at home this year and wait for 2021.
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Post by daveh on May 13, 2020 7:53:01 GMT 2
I see Matt Hancock in UK says there will be no Tourism this year. Not sure if he means into and within UK or everywhere. Of course even if Greece does open (and they are making great efforts to try and get safe tourism later in the year) if UK impose a ban or say you have to quarantine for 14 days on return what with work it would put people off travel anyway. Time will tell.
Few extra cases in Greece yesterday compared to most days.....totals now 2744 and 152 deaths.
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Post by daveh on May 16, 2020 10:06:12 GMT 2
Current figures....2810 cases and 160 deaths in Greece.
Churches open tomorrow......need to wear a mask.....not sure what they do re communion. I will go tomorrow to find out.
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Post by daveh on May 18, 2020 6:38:00 GMT 2
Bars, cafes, tavernas can now open from next Monday.....here are the odd rules (I say odd as they recommend customers wear a mask....what hwile they eat and drink!!!)...
Rules for cafes, bars and restaurants in Greece as of May 25
Deputy Development and Investment Minister Nikos Papathanassis announced on Sunday evening the rules under which that cafes, bars and restaurants will open again during the 4. phase of lockdown easing on May 25, 2020. General rules are that facilities are allowed to open both outdoors or indoor spaces under certain conditions. One customer per 2 square meters is allowed.
Maximum number of people at tables is set to 6 – or more for families with minor children. According to state-run news agency amna, the specific rules for cafes, bars and restaurants are: The current ratio is one customer per two sq.m. total useful allowable operating area. The total allowable operating area results from the sum of the area of the outdoor area and the internal semi-outdoor area, mainly space. The outdoor surface is the area of the surface outside the physical store while the inner semi-outdoor surface is the surface inside the store where table seats can be developed. The possibility of using the internal semi-outdoor surface arises when there is a side or sides of the space with an opening in contact with an outdoor space or patio. Depending on the opening of the side, the space can be used in depth at a rate of 80% to 160% of the width of the opening. Minimum distance between the tables according to the arrangement of the seats is set from 0.70 cm to 170 cm. Maximum number of people allowed to sit at a table is six (6). There is no limit in the case of a family with minor children. Finally, depending on the job of the staff, there is an obligation to use a mask or face shield, while a recommendation also applies to customers. The government decided to open one week earlier than originally scheduled cafes, bars and restaurants following the green light given by the health experts and based on the epidemiological data.
Sfakera church opened on Sunday and there was a good attendance though some I thought would be there were not. There were no masks in sight (and no request that you wear mask you bring with you), no gloves and only some hand wipe under a table being used by lady who changes the burnt candles. People were kissing icons and they weren't being wiped in between! Communion was being taken from one large goblet, just a quick wipe with same cloth between.
Total cases in Greece is now 2834 with 163 deaths.
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Post by daveh on May 18, 2020 6:54:35 GMT 2
There are also more relaxation starting today including travel within Greece......as you will see no travel to Islands (apart from Crete and Evia)
Greece 3. phase of lockdown easing: Travel, stores, sports on May 18 May 17, 2020 CORONAVIRUS, FEATURED Leave a comment
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Greece is proceeding with the third phase of easing the lockdown measures imposed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Greeks will be allowed to travel outside the prefecture of the residence on the mainland as well as to the the islands of Crete and Evia only unless a resident or coming to open up your summer business. Maybe open up next week.
Students older than 13 years older return to schools, remaining stores and services open again. According to the relevant Greek authorities, on Monday, May 18, 2020:
Travel People are allowed to travel on the mainland, to Crete and Evia. Traveling to the islands is still allowed for permanent residents, business owners and workers provided they carry documents proving the necessity of traveling. Not residents will be allowed to travel to the remaining islands most likely on May 25. Schools Students at Gymnasiums and 1. and 2. Lyceum Grade return to schools. Kindergarten and elementary schools remain closed. Shops & Services Shopping malls, discount villages and outlet villages Zoos and botanical gardens. Establishments related to pet training and hunting supplies. Beauty saloons and diet centers Companies specializing in wedding, baptism and funeral decorations. Dancing schools. Gyms remain closed. Archaeological Sites The Acropolis, the Ancient Olympia and other outdoors archaeological sites open on May 18. For museums and cultural events, check here. Sports facilities Open and closed sports facilities such as pools, track etc for training of athletes over 13 years old. No group sports with close physical contact. Priority for athletes in pre-olympic-games training. Pools open also for people with disabilities plus one accompanying person. In all the above mention facilities that open on Monday, social distancing should be observed and the use of masks according to the rules.
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Post by daveh on May 20, 2020 7:00:28 GMT 2
GREECE has offered to make British tourists exempt from its 14-day virus quarantine if the UK is prepared to do the same for Greek visitors. Such a deal could be a promising solution for travellers seeking safe summer sun, as the Mediterranean nation has been a Covid-19 success story, with fewer than 200 deaths. Britain plans to bring in its own 14-day quarantine for people arriving here, which would include returning tourists as well as foreign visitors.
But transport secretary Grant Shapps has said ‘active discussions’ are taking place about waiving the requirement for travellers flying in from countries that have low infection rates. Harry Theocharis, Greece’s tourism minister, told the BBC: ‘If we don’t impose quarantine for people coming to Greece from the UK from some day onwards, we would welcome if the UK extended the same thing.’ Social distancing will have to remain in hotels and at attractions ‘at least for the summer’, he said. But he added: ‘We will keep the core of the experience, which is the smile, the open arms, the warm welcome are still there — if you like, the smiles will shine through the masks.’ Britain’s largest travel firm Tui plans to restart overseas holidays from June 14 and increase numbers in July if virus restrictions are relaxed
Very low new figures last 2 days here; totals are 2840 cases and 165 deaths in whole of Greece.
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Post by daveh on May 20, 2020 7:38:33 GMT 2
Tonight the Greek PM is making a speech on his plans to re-start tourism and kick start the economy. Hopefully have a report for you tomorrow.....
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Post by daveh on May 21, 2020 6:07:26 GMT 2
Greece opens again its gates to foreign tourists without tests and quarantine on June 15, 2020. However, citizens from some 20 countries will be initially allowed. Restrictions for exempted countris will be lifted on July 15 and thus based on epidemiological data. Foreign tourists will not undergo tests and will not be place in quarantine, but there will be the right for random testing, Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis announced on Wednesday. Presenting the package “Restart Tourism,” Theoharis said that initially citizens from some 20 countries will be allowed depending on the epidemiological data in their countries.. “Foreign tourism will start on June 15, where the arrival of visitors from approximately 20 countries will be free,” he said. He referred to “visitors with good epidemiological characteristics, while criteria to be evaluated are: road access, medium flight distance, diaspora communities.
In his speech, the Minister mentioned from “the Balkans to the Baltic” and “northern Europe,” named “first of all Germany, then also Israel and Cyprus and Bulgaria.” A second group of countries will be added on July 1, with the exception of some countries with negative epidemiological characteristics. The gradual lifting of the remaining exceptions is set for July 15. He said that the lists of the countries to be exempted will be ready by the end of May. Key dates of the roadmap the minister presented are: Accommodation 25. May : Opening of yachting (domestic) June 1: Opening of all-year hotels, camping facilities June 15: Opening of seasonal hotels and accommodations Flights June 15: Opening of Athens International Airport to flights from all countries with good epidemiological data. July 1: Opening of all Greek regional airports also in tourist destinations. Health provisions Minister Theoharis said that they have evaluated all tourist destinations according to risk levels, “low”, “medium” and “high.” ” We enhanced health facilities in tourist destinations with high risk,” he said but did not mentioned any of them. He added that health protocols have to be observed by hotels and other tourist accommodations, and mentioned that assignment of a doctor and a “quarantine” are in touristic destinations in case of an infection. Especially for the island, the minister said that the a total of 20 new analysts for tests on the islands is due, while the operation of 600 COVID-19 beds is secured. For the financial support of the tourism sector, it has been decided: the extension of the right to suspend work contract until July rent reduction of 40% for businesses until also August the new mechanism of labor support “SURE” until also September. seasonal workers who did not manage to secure a work contract will be financially supported returnable of down-payment and reduction of tax payment in advance. Reduction of Value Added Tax from 24% to 13% in transport, served coffee and non-alcoholic beverages and in tourist packages. Finance Minister Christos Staikouras announced today that the VAT reduction will be in effect from June 1 to October 31, 2020.
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Post by daveh on May 22, 2020 8:37:39 GMT 2
Despite the UK press comments in Mail and Mirror the main stumbling block is the UK Govt insistence in any returnee from holiday (or anyone arriving in UK for a holiday) would have to undergo an initial 14 quarantine. If they drop that requirement then they will be allowed to travel. As it is Roda, Sidari etc will be almost closed for the rest of the summer.
Total in Greece 2850 and deaths 168.
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Post by daveh on May 23, 2020 17:23:40 GMT 2
CORFU. From Monday 25 May all visitors will be able to travel to the islands - not only permanent residents or those travelling for health or
The same COVID-19 regulations issued by the Marine Ministry for all shipping will apply to the Igoumenitsa - Corfu ferry service. The number of services, however, will remain limited for one week - according to the information the shipping companies have at the moment. In other words, until 31 May there will be eight approved services (4 for Corfu and 4 for Lefkimmi) just as there has been since travel to the islands was prohibited. The limit of 50% of passenger capacity remains until further notice.
Conditions
It will be mandatory for passengers to have their temperature taken before boarding and for masks to be used. The shipping companies have acquired thermometers and masks for those who don't have their own. Before boarding, all adult passengers will also have to fill in a special questionnaire that the Marine Ministry has posted with identity and contact details as well as listing of any possible symptoms that the passengers or close contacts may have.
Personal Data Protection
Based on the questionnaire, if a passenger has symptoms or has had contact with someone with COVID-19 in any of the ways outlined in the form in the preceding 14 days, boarding will not be allowed.
The shipping company will hold on to the questionnaires for two months from the date of submission according to the laws regarding protection of personal data (GDPR).
Download the questionnaire in Greek here
Download the questionnaire in English here
Marine Ministry guidelines
As part of the measures to prevent the spread of and dealing with cases of COVID-19, ship passengers on a journey of more than 30 minutes must fill in a special questionnaire before boarding.
A similar questionnaire must also becompleted by both passengers and crew members on international shipping services (Greece - Italy).
These questionnaires are available from travel agencies, shipping companies or can be downloaded from the Ministry of Marine and Island Policy official website (www.ynanp.gr).
The completed questionnaires will be submitted by passengers to members of the crew when boarding.
In addition, the Ministry of Marine and Island Policy has provided detailed guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 and dealing with cases on all domestic passenger and vehicle ferry boats as well as vessels travelling internationally under the Greek flag (except for private recreational vessels and tourist vessels) following the lifting of the lockdown. All passengers are asked to be at the ship at least 1 hour prior to departure to avoid any inconvenience
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Post by daveh on May 24, 2020 7:39:20 GMT 2
Greece will reportedly conduct sample testing to flights passengers arriving in the country. Authorities are ready to restart tourism, in view of lifting the flights restrictions to Athens international airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport on June 15 and to all airports in the country on July 1. However, as the Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, underlined, this “does not mean that from July 1 we will be open to everyone.” On the contrary, health safety protocols will be implemented, to protect both visitors and locals. The government is reportedly considering “mapping” the flights depending on daily evaluation of the epidemiological criteria in the countries the travelers come from, Skai TV reported..
Categories will be colored with “red”, “orange”, “green” and “yellow”, depending on the epidemiological data (classification of confirmed cases and fatalities) of each country of origin of travelers as registered on the map of the Greek Civil Protection. On this basis, flights will be selected and passengers will undergo COVID-19 testing. For example: for a country on the “green” category. sample testing will be conducted to 1-2 passengers in a total of 150 passengers. In the “yellow” category 5-10 tests, in “orange” 20-30. and in “red” all passengers of a flight. In order to implement this plan as it concerns 15 airports in Greece, an equivalent number of health teams will be sent to the arrival points of foreign tourists. Each team will consist of military and National Health Organization doctors, nurses and official from the Greek Civil Protection. When a positive case is detected the passenger will be place din quarantine and so will be hi direct contacts after been traced. Both tourism professionals and tourists are eagerly anticipating for Greece to issue the list of countries that will be allowed to send visitors as of June 15. Presenting Greece’s tourism roadmap for 2020 on Wednesday, Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis indicative named some of the first group of 20 countries as Germany, Cyprus, Israel and Bulgaria and mentioned from “the Balkans to the Baltic” and “northern Europe.” On the same day he said that the UK unlikely would be on the list of the first wave of countries. Uncertainty concerns also travelers from the USA and Russia as well as from Spain, Italy and France. Minister Theoharis assured that the lists of countries allowed or not allowed will be published by the end of May. Head of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, tried to ease concerns among the Greeks for opening the country again to tourism. He said on Thursday that in 21 flights and 2,236 passengers who arrived in Athens from abroad between May 13 and 20, only one passenger was tested positive. Hardalias underlined that this does not create complacency in the health and civil protection authorities and added that “we need vigilance and good tracking so that there is no spread of the coronavirus in the islands and the mainland.”
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Post by daveh on May 27, 2020 6:35:42 GMT 2
The daily briefings on Covid19 from the health department and Government will stop at the end of this month. The current figure is 2892 cases and 173 deaths in Greece. The land boarders will be re-opened by 15th June at the latest......at present you have to come via Bulgaria if driving so it is a long way round from western Europe (Albania and North Macedonia) both having their boarders locked despite low infection rates.
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Post by daveh on May 30, 2020 7:48:10 GMT 2
Our totals increase by just a few cases a day now...….2909 cases and 175 deaths for whole of Greece.
The list was announced of countries who are allowed to send tourists to Greece and as expected the UK was absent so as it stands nobody from the UK will be allowed entry to Greece (unless they hold a Greek residents permit and have current tax papers). This applies from the 15th June but of course International flights to airports other than Athens do not start until 1st July. The list is subject to constant review and updates will be announced as and when.
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