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14 Oct 2020 | 03:34 PM UTC

Greece: Face masks made mandatory in enclosed and public spaces October 14 /update 34

Face masks mandatory in enclosed places of work and public spaces from October 14; follow official directives

Warning
entry/exit
health
transportation
GRC

Event

Greek authorities announced on Wednesday, October 14, that face masks have been made mandatory in all enclosed places of work and public places nationwide in an effort to further curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In Athens and the greater Attica Region, public gatherings are currently limited to nine people. Elsewhere in the country, public gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted. Although many shops, bars, hotels, and restaurants have reopened, restrictions on the number of customers remain in place. Private cars and taxis are also limited to a maximum of three occupants. 

As of Wednesday, October 14, there have been 23,060 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Greece with 462 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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