Greece’s Responsible Beach Reopening Amid COVID-19
As countries across Europe unveil their plans for reopening borders and relaxing restrictions, travelers are adjusting to new ways of enjoying leisure time in the era of COVID-19. Greece has recently announced a series of phased reopenings, aiming to have hotels operational by July. In addition, the country is implementing drone technology to monitor beachgoers and ensure adherence to social distancing regulations.
According to The Guardian, Greeks basking in the warm weather on the Athenian Riviera are now sitting 10 meters apart while a drone flies overhead to oversee the situation. Operated by a municipal employee, the drone broadcasts messages such as “we keep our distance, we respect public health.”
Moreover, municipal police and guards are actively monitoring the beaches to ensure that crowds are managed effectively and beachgoers behave responsibly. Amid unexpectedly hot weather, 515 beaches have received approval to open under strict guidelines. Beach clubs are operating without alcohol, music, or sports facilities, and sunbeds are disinfected after each use.
Greece has managed to maintain lower transmission rates and significantly fewer COVID-19 related deaths compared to many other European nations. This achievement is largely credited to their rapid and stringent lockdown measures. Countries such as Austria, France, Switzerland, and Germany have also indicated that they will begin easing border restrictions, with June 15 marked as a key date for the reintroduction of international tourism.
In light of these developments, various destinations worldwide are leveraging modern technology to handle the challenges posed by COVID-19. For example, Singapore has recently deployed a robot dog to roam a park, reminding visitors to maintain social distancing.
As global lockdowns continue to ease, the world is gradually adjusting to what is now referred to as the new normal. For more information on how COVID-19 is affecting travel plans, visit the appropriate resources available.
