Greece has reopened restaurants, bars, cafes, and resumed ferry services to its islands as it takes the first tentative steps out of lockdown, preparing to welcome tourists in July.
The Mediterranean country has resumed regular ferry services to its islands on Monday, pressing ahead with efforts to revive its tourism season after initially closing restaurants and cafes on March 13, followed by a nationwide lockdown which began on March 17. Although arrivals are currently required to self-isolate for two weeks, that policy will be scrapped by June 15, and international flights will resume on July 1.
Cafes, restaurants, and bars with terraces also opened on Monday as Greece entered phase four of its lockdown deescalation plan. Consequently, businesses are required to seat patrons outdoors and to maintain two metres between dining tables. Furthermore, some of the country’s ancient open-air sites, including the Acropolis, have begun welcoming visitors again. However, many museums and cultural attractions are anticipated to remain closed until next month.
Notably, Greece has experienced one of Europe’s lowest casualty rates during the pandemic. Authorities attribute this success to the early introduction of a strict lockdown alongside high public compliance. Moreover, as the initial wave of the virus ebbs, normal life is gradually returning, with Greece preparing to welcome tourists once again in July.
Nevertheless, new regulations await international travelers. The health ministry has mandated strict social distancing measures, while face masks are now obligatory on public transport and in crowded locations such as medical centres, shops, and salons. Notably, large group gatherings and guided tours remain prohibited for the time being, and violators of social distancing and face mask rules may face fines of €150 ($162).
Furthermore, the beach experience is set to transform. New protocols include ticketed entrances to monitor guest numbers. Sun loungers are required to be set 1.5 meters (five feet) apart, with a maximum of 40 individuals permitted per 1000 square meters of space. Beach bars are restricted from playing music or serving alcohol to facilitate enforcement of these guidelines. Additionally, drones are being used in some areas to ensure beachgoers maintain social distancing protocols.
