Greece Tightens Coronavirus Restrictions as Cases Remain High

The daily coronavirus cases in Greece remained high on Saturday, as 2,562 total new cases were recorded across the nation.

According to the official figures presented by the Greek Public Health Organization EODY, today’s data mark 129 fewer instances of the virus than the 2,691 cases that had been recorded on Friday.

Currently, there are 124 patients with the coronavirus on ventilators in Greece, which is one more than the number of patients undergoing the invasive treatment in the country yesterday, Friday.

Tragically, seven people suffering from the coronavirus passed away in the country over the past 24-hour period, down from 14 that died yesterday.

A total of 91,739 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours, with the positivity rate being at 2.79 per cent, down from 3.07 per cent yesterday.

Emergency curfew on Mykonos as Coronavirus continues to spread

Meanwhile, new, strict measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus were imposed on Saturday on the popular Greek island of Mykonos, sparking negative reactions among locals and visitors.

According to a statement issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of Greece, a nighttime curfew will be in place from Saturday, July 17 until Monday, July 26.

Specifically, all people on the island, including residents and visitors will be barred from being able to get out of their houses and rooms from 01:00 am until 06:00 am the following morning.

Additionally, music will be banned in every public venue on the island, starting from Saturday, at 18:00 local time.

Hospitality venues face new Coronavirus restrictions in Greece

New rules for the hospitality and entertainment sectors in Greece, including restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and places of entertainment, came into force on Friday.

Government officials warned that inspections will be frequent and strict in order to ensure compliance with the measures that aim to put brakes on the fourth wave of the pandemic that is well underway in Greece.

The new measures will be in force at least until August 31 and include a series of restrictions for those who wish to remain unvaccinated, as well as the general public, regardless of their vaccination status.

Among the measures imposed is that only seated customers will be permitted in places of entertainment, both indoors and outdoors, meaning that no standing or dancing is permitted.

Additionally, indoor spaces can only operate as ”Covid Free” venues that admit only Covid-immunised customers, either through vaccination or illness.

Minors can only enter Covid Free hospitality or entertainment venues after taking a negative self-test that is attested by a parent, and these venues should operate at a maximum capacity of 85 per cent.

According to the Greek authorities, penalties for those who do not abide by the new rules will be stiff.

The fine for a first offence ranges from 2,000 euros for premises under 200 square metres and a week-long closure of the business, or a fine of 5,000 euros and week-long closure for larger premises.

The fine rises to 10,000 euros for all establishments and a 15-day closure for a second offence. Businesses that violate the rules a third time will have their operating licence temporarily removed for a period of 60 days.