Greece: Authorities extend nationwide COVID-19 restrictions until October 12 /update 33

Event

Authorities announced on Monday, October 5, that the current coronavirus restrictions (COVID-19) have been extended until at least October 12 due to an increase in cases. In Attica, Chania, Halkidiki, Heraklion, Imathia, Lesbos, Pella, Pieria, Kilkis, Trikala, Zakynthos, as well as the municipality of Mykonos, most business must remain closed between 23:59-05:00 (local time), including public catering, entertainment, and numerous retail businesses in addition to complying with limits on the number of patrons allowed inside such establishments at a time.

Elsewhere in the country, public gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted. In Athens and the greater Attica Region, public gatherings are limited to nine people. The wearing of face masks remains mandatory in public indoor spaces and public transport, as well as crowded public spaces and workplaces. Outdoor events may only operate at half capacity, and all attendees must wear a face mask. Travel restrictions, which were introduced by the Greek government on July 1, can be found here.

As of October 5, there have been 20,142 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, and 417 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: