Greece is “Green” on Covid-19 Map for Testing, Positivity Rates

Greece appears to be performing well in terms of testing and positivity rates compared to the rest of Europe, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s (ECDC) weekly Covid-19 map.

As shown in the maps, which are released each Thursday and outline the general epidemiological situation across Europe, Greece is performing in the top category in terms of testing and positivity rates.

Greece “green” on Covid-19 map with a weekly positivity rate under 4%

Despite the country’s increased coronavirus numbers, Greece is one of the few “green” countries on the ECDC’s Covid-19 map, indicating a weekly positivity rate of under 4%.

Only a small number of countries, including Cyprus, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Ireland, and Iceland are completely “green.” Areas of Spain and Italy are also green.

The rest of Europe is “orange,” indicating that they had a weekly positivity rate over 4%.

 Greece has high testing rate for the coronavirus

Greece’s testing rates have also been above average in comparison with the country’s European counterparts.

Over 5,000 Covid-19 tests per 100,000 residents were conducted in the country in the past week, making Greece one of the few countries with the “dark green” distinction, along with Cyprus.

The majority of Europe is a lighter green, a designation that indicates a testing rate of 1,000 to 2,499 per 100,000 people in the last week.

Restaurants, cafes to open in Greece Monday, May 3

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made an announcement on Wednesday outlining Greece’s roadmap out of lockdown.

According to current information, Greece will be almost entirely out of lockdown — which has been ongoing since last November — by mid-May.

The first step in getting Greece back to normal is the opening of cafes and restaurants to outdoor dining, which is to occur on Monday, May 3. The curfew will also be loosened to restrict travel only between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM.

There will be multiple safeguards in place for dining, including mandatory coronavirus self-testing for employees, a specific distance between tables, and all other hygiene measures.

The second step is the resumption of in-person schooling on May 10th for middle school and elementary school students. Coronavirus self-testing will also be used to facilitate this part of easing the lockdown, with testing expected for students and staff.

The third and final move is to allow tourism to resume on May 15th.

Visitors from abroad who have been vaccinated or have a negative coronavirus test will be allowed into the country.

Furthermore, inter-regional travel within Greece will also be allowed once again.