A chronological record of COVID-19 Coronavirus in Greece

This is an archived record originally posted to our Thassos, Kos, Santorini and Rhodes news pages on a daily basis during the COVID pandemic.

Coronavirus in Greece

Covid-19 deaths in Greece during the last week

June 30 – 11 – June 29 – 13

June 28 – 8

June 27 – 18

June 26 – 12

June 25 – 21

The ‘European Digital Covid-19 Certificate’ (Digital Green Pass), aimed at facilitating cross-border movement of EU citizens, goes live today Thursday July 1, in all EU countries as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Wednesday, June 30 – Six hundred and thirty-three new infections were recorded, with eleven deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand seven hundred and six.

One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases.

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (2), Rhodes (15).

Holiday company Tui has extended the cancellation of many flights to Greece until July 21. The destinations affected are Santorini, Thassos (Kavala), Crete (Chania), Kefalonia, Preveza, Halkidiki, Samos and Skiathos.

Tuesday, June 29 – Six hundred and five new infections were recorded, with thirteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand six hundred and ninety-five.
Three of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases.
However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (4), Kos (7), Rhodes (17).

Malta is introducing further restrictions on UK travellers from Wednesday, similar to those introduced by Portugal yesterday. UK visitors to Malta will have to prove full vaccination before entering the country.

Monday, June 28 – Three hundred and sixty-two new infections were recorded, with eight deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand six hundred and eighty-two.

Eleven of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases.

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (1), Kos (2), Rhodes (10).

In mid-July the Greek government is launching a free digital prepaid card called the “Freedom Pass”, which will be worth 150€ to Greek citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 who have received at least one Covid-19 vaccination in 2021.

The “Freedom Pass will be able to be used to pay for tourist and cultural activities such as those below.

Air, ferry, rail, road transport
– Car rental
– Accommodation, campsites
– Travel agencies
– Cinema
– Theatrical and musical dance performances
– Museums and archaeological sites

Applications for the card can be made via a dedicated platform on the gov.gr website later in July.
From midnight last night, the Portuguese government increased the restrictions on UK travellers entering the country, in that they now have to quarantine for 14 days in Portugal, unless they can present proof of full vaccination completed at least a fortnight before their arrival.

The gradual lifting of restrictive measures in Greece means that from today the traffic curfew is rescinded and the number of people allowed to sit together in restaurants increases from 6 to 10.
Sunday, June 27 – Two hundred and thirty-six new infections were recorded, with eighteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand six hundred and sixty-four.
Seven of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases.
However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (2), Rhodes (5).

Saturday, June 26 – Three hundred and seventy-five new infections were recorded, with twelve deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand six hundred and forty-six.
Four of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases.
However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (3), Rhodes (6).

Scientists worldwide are extremely worried by the rapid spread of the ‘Delta’ mutation of Covid-19 around the globe. The virus is proving to be highly contagious even within young age groups and creates a huge viral load in its victims. Scientists say that this variant is eight times more contagious than the ‘Alpha’ variant and has already been detected in 85 countries.

The whole of the Australian city of Sidney and the surrounding regions of Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong, have today been placed in a two-week hard lockdown due to a major surge in infections of the ‘Delta’ variant. This comes after the central and eastern suburbs of the city were placed under restrictions yesterday. The extended lockdown now affects around 5 million residents.

Friday, June 25 – Three hundred and ninety-five new infections were recorded, with twenty-one deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand six hundred and thirty-four.
None of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases
However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (7), Rhodes (11)

The Israeli government has reimposed the compulsory wearing of masks in closed public spaces, as a new surge of Covid-19 infections takes hold in the country, despite the fact that more than half of the population has received two doses of vaccine

Thursday, June 24 – The UK government has announced that Madeira, Malta, the Balearics, Bermuda and Barbados will be the main destinations from a total of 16 to be added the government’s ‘Green list’. Greece, Spain and Portugal, as well as other European countries continue to be on the UK’s ‘Amber List’. The extended list comes into force on June 30 at 04:00

Four hundred and eighty-nine new infections were recorded, with fifteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand six hundred and thirteen

One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases
However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (7), Rhodes (9)

The UK government is set to review its international travel restrictions today, amid intense pressure from the travel industry to add more destinations to the ‘Green list’. However, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, stated yesterday, “In our country, if you come from Great Britain, you have to go into quarantine and that’s not the case in every European country, and that’s what I would like to see.”

Wednesday, June 23 – The government has announced this evening that from tomorrow, Thursday June 24, at 05:00, both the wearing of masks outdoors and the nightly curfew are abolished. However, masks should still be worn indoors, as well as outdoors in crowded areas.

Also announced was that the rule regarding the maximum number of people allowed at a single table in restaurants has been raised from six to ten from today

Five hundred and twenty new infections were recorded, with fourteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand five hundred and ninety-five.

One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (7), Rhodes (9)

Due to the high temperatures across Greece, the government’s announcement regarding the wearing of masks, especially outdoors, is being brought forward to late afternoon today

Tuesday, June 22 – Four hundred and six new infections were recorded, with sixteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand five hundred and eighty-one

None of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (7), Rhodes (10)

On Friday, June 25, the Greek government is expected to announce its decision on the wearing of masks in public. With the epidemiological situation in the country improving, it is anticipated that the government’s committee of experts, who are meeting on Wednesday, will make the abolition of masks one of the main topics for discussion

Monday, June 21 – Two hundred and nine new infections were recorded, with seventeen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand five hundred and sixty-five

Four of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (3), Rhodes (4)

Sunday, June 20 – Two hundred and forty-eight new infections were recorded, with fourteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand five hundred and forty-eight

Seven of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (4), Rhodes (4)

Deaths in Brazil from Covid-19 have passed 500,000, the second highest in the world after the US (601,000), with fears that the situation will get even worse due to both the slow vaccination programme and as winter in the southern hemisphere takes hold

Saturday, June 19 – Three hundred and ninety-four new infections were recorded, with twenty deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand five hundred and thirty-four

Four of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (2), Santorini (0), Kos (1), Rhodes (9)

As the rate of new infections slows in Greece, the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stated yesterday that “The challenge now facing Operation Freedom is to persuade as many of our fellow citizens as possible to be vaccinated”

The World Health Organization has confirmed its deep concern as a third wave of the pandemic is “growing and accelerating” in Africa due to virus variants, asking world governments to increase the quantity of vaccines distributed across the continent

Yesterday, the head of the World Health Organization, Sumia Swaminathan, confirmed that the Delta variant is evolving into a globally dominant variant of the virus, due to its increased transmissibility

Friday, June 18 – Four hundred and sixty-nine new infections were recorded, with twenty deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand five hundred and fourteen

Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (4), Rhodes (11)

Thursday, June 17 – Five hundred and nineteen new infections were recorded, with sixteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand four hundred and ninety-four

Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (2), Rhodes (6)

Wednesday, June 16 – Five hundred and forty-nine new infections were recorded, with thirteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand four hundred and seventy-eight

Eleven of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (4), Kos (10), Rhodes (7)

The appointment platform opens today in Greece for the final adult age group of 18-24, with the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines available

Tuesday, June 15 – Eight hundred and thirty-five new infections were recorded, with twenty-two deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand four hundred and sixty-five

One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (1), Kos (15), Rhodes (9)

A study in the US has found that Rhinovirus, the virus of the common cold, activates the action of interferons, molecules of the immune system that can inhibit the reproduction of the Covid-19 virus in those airways and tissues already infected with the Rhinovirus

Due to the success of the country’s vaccination programme, the Israeli government has today lifted the rule on the mandatory wearing of a mask, one of the last measures to be still in place in the country, although stringent measures are still imposed on visitors to Israel

Monday, June 14 – Four hundred and seventy-two new infections were recorded, with eighteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand four hundred and forty-three

Three of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (1), Santorini (0), Kos (5), Rhodes (8)

A study by the Greek Health Policy Institute, undertaken last October, found that 74% of Greeks were in favour of compulsory vaccination, whilst 62% of those interviewed stated that they would be applying to be vaccinated

The UK government is to delay the lifting of restrictions in England, planned for June 21, until July 19, due to a surge in infections attributed to the ‘Delta’ variant of the Covid-19 virus. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the change in the government’s plan from Downing Street this evening

Sunday, June 13 – Two hundred and ninety-seven new infections were recorded, with seventeen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand four hundred and twenty-two

Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (1), Kos (2), Rhodes (11)

New cases, deaths and ICU admissions are showing a downward trend in Greece, easing the pressure on the country’s health services, as the vaccination and self-testing programmes bear fruit. Experts are predicting that next week will see a continuing improvement, with fewer hospital admissions and a reduction in critical cases and deaths. Last week, 6,500 new Covid-19 cases were confirmed, of which 50% were detected through self-diagnostic tests

Saturday, June 12 – Five hundred and ninety-one new infections were recorded, with twenty-one deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand four hundred and five

Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (0), Kos (9), Rhodes (13)

The UK government is considering delaying the lifting of restrictions by up to four weeks, initially planned for June 21, due to a surge in new infections attributed to the ‘Delta’ variant of the Covid-19 virus

It has been confirmed that last week, 92% of Covid-19 patients in Greece and 98% of those who died and were over the age of 65, had either not been vaccinated, or had not received the full treatment

Friday, June 11 – Seven hundred and ninety-one new infections were recorded, with eleven deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand three hundred and eighty-one

One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional breakdown of cases

However, for the islands we cover, the number of cases are:- Thassos (0), Santorini (1), Kos (6), Rhodes (6)

Thursday, June 10 – Seven hundred and eighty-one new infections were recorded, with twenty-four deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand three hundred and seventy

Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional cases

The government has confirmed that from Saturday, June 12, music will be allowed in the outdoor areas of restaurants and bars and that the curfew will be from 01:30 to 05:00 each day

The Greek government website where residents can obtain a copy of their Green Digital Certificate (link below), now accepts passports from other countries as a means of identification. The digital certificate contains the holder’s relevant personal and immunology details, such as the level of vaccination (number of doses, vaccine received and dates), or the result of the last rapid molecular tests (rapid – test) or PCR test. Alternatively, it can confirm that the holder has recovered from Covid-19 and has natural immunity

Link to Digital Certificate

Wednesday, June 9 – Eight hundred and ninety new infections were recorded, with fifteen deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand three hundred and forty-six

Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. We apologise, but due to present commitments, we are unable to post the regional cases

Tuesday, June 8 – One thousand three hundred and ninety-nine new infections were recorded, with thirty deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand three hundred and thirty-one

Four of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,395 domestic cases, 670 were confirmed in Attica, 126 in Thessaloniki, 58 in Larissa, 28 in Evia, 26 in Achaia, 25 in Magnesia, 23 in Etoloakarnania, 21 in Boeotia, 19 in Kozani, 18 in Imathia, 17 in Pieria, 12 in both Xanthi and Ioannina, 9 in Drama, 8 in Ilia, 7 in each of the following, Florina, Fthiotida and Evros, 6 in both Trikala and Karditsa, 5 in each of the following, Corinth, Kilkis and Argolida, 4 in Kavala, 3 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Phocis, Serres, Laconia, Kastoria and Arcadia, 2 in each of the following, Rodopi, Preveza and Thesprotia and 1 in both Messinia and Grevena
Regarding the islands, 55 cases were confirmed on Crete (24 in Chania, 23 in Heraklion, 6 in Rethymnon, 2 in Lassithi), 19 on Corfu, 13 on Lesbos, 10 on Kos, 7 on Rhodes, 3 on Kalymnos, 2 on Syros and 2 in the Attica islands and 1 on each of the following, Paros, Mykonos, Lemnos and Santorini and 1 in the Sporades. Finally, 129 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Monday, June 7 – The appointment platform for the 25 to 29 age group in Greece will open on Thursday, June 10, with all four of the approved vaccines available

Eight hundred and eight new infections were recorded, with twenty-four deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand three hundred and one

Three of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 805 domestic cases, 391 have been confirmed in Attica, 75 in Thessaloniki, 29 in Larissa, 26 in Achaia, 20 in Evia, 15 in both Magnesia and Etoloakarnania, 14 in Kozani, 9 in both Fthiotida and Arcadia, 8 in each of the following, Pieria, Messinia, Corinth and Ioannina, 5 in each of the following, Pella, Xanthi and Boeotia, 4 in both Rodopi and Kavala, 3 in each of the following, Florina, Trikala, Serres, Karditsa and Drama, 2 in each of the following, Phocis, Kastoria, Ilia, Imathia, Evros and Argolida and 1 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Preveza, Laconia, Kilkis, Thesprotia and Grevena
Regarding the islands, 37 cases have been confirmed on Crete (16 in Chania, 13 in Heraklion and 8 in Rethymnon), 10 on Corfu, 7 on Rhodes, 5 in the Attica islands, 3 on Santorini, 2 on both Paros and Naxos, 1 on each of the following, Chios, Syros, Mykonos, Lesbos, Kos and Karpathos. Finally, 42 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Sunday, June 6 – Five hundred and eighty new infections were recorded, with twenty-four deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand two hundred and seventy-seven

Four of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 576 domestic cases, 298 were confirmed in Attica, 68 in Thessaloniki, 36 in Pieria, 32 in Larissa, 14 in Magnesia, 10 in Boeotia, 9 in Etoloakarnania, 8 in Messinia, 7 in Corinth, 6 in each of the following, Ioannina, Imathia and Achaia, 5 in each of the following, Kozani, Evros and Drama, 4 in Karditsa, 3 in each of the following, Trikala, Xanthi, Ilia and Grevena, 2 in each of the following, Serres, Kilkis, Kastoria and Thesprotia and 1 in each of the following, Florina, Preveza, Pella, Laconia, Kavala, Evia and Arta

Regarding the islands, 26 cases were confirmed on Crete (11 in Heraklion, 8 in Rethymnon, 7 in Chania), 8 on both Rhodes and Corfu, 2 on Lesbos and 1 on each of the following, Naxos, Mykonos, Kalymnos, Santorini and Zakynthos. Finally, 14 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The government has confirmed that the vaccination programme is going well, with 80 to 85,000 vaccinations being administered per day and in most areas of the country appointment slots are continuing to be fully booked. However, there is concern that in the regions of Florina, Xanthi, Fokida, Drama and Serres, the take up of available appointments is low

The success of the vaccination programme is being confirmed in the country’s hospitals, where 88 to 90% of admissions are people who are unvaccinated, 8 to 9% are vaccinated with the first dose and only 2 to 3% are fully vaccinated, although in this group underlying illnesses are a factor

Saturday, June 5 – Nine hundred and thirty-two new infections were recorded, with thirty-five deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand two hundred and fifty-three

One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 931 domestic cases, 454 were confirmed in Attica, 85 in Thessaloniki, 41 in Larissa, 34 in Achaia. 15 in each of the following, Pieria, Magnesia and Etoloakarnania, 13 in Kozani, 12 in Evia, 10 in Fthiotida, 9 in Xanthi, 7 in both Florina and Ioannina, 6 in each of the following, Trikala, Corinth, Boeotia and Arcadia, 5 in each of the following, Laconia, Imathia and Ilia, 4 in each of the following, Rodopi, Pella, Kilkis, Kavala, Thesprotia and Argolida, 3 in both Halkidiki and Evros, 2 in both Messinia and Arta, 1 in each of the following, Serres, Fokida, Kastoria, Karditsa and Grevena

Regarding the islands, 43 cases were confirmed on Crete (20 in Heraklion, 15 in Chania, 7 in Rethymnon and 1 in Lassithi), 16 on Corfu, 10 on Rhodes, 9 on Lesbos, 6 on Kos, 3 on both Zakynthos and Chios and 3 in the Attica islands, 2 on Naxos, 1 on each of the following, Samos, Karpathos, Kalymnos and Andros and 1 in the Sporades. Finally, 36 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Greece has now exceeded 6 million vaccinations. The General Secretary of Primary Health Care in Greece, Marios Themistokleous, stated today, “If everyone went to be vaccinated tomorrow, the next day everything would be open”

Concern is growing on the island of Rhodes due to the continuing high levels of daily new infections and the effect this will have on the tourist season this year. The authorities have confirmed that vaccination levels on the island are low and have urged residents to be more responsible. The Deputy

Mayor of Tourism for Rhodes, Costas Taraslias, appealed to residents to be vaccinated in order to build the desired wall of immunity, expressing his anxiety for the development of the tourist season. “Rhodes is high in the preferences of European holidaymakers. But the fate of Rhodesian tourism is in the hands of the citizens. Everyone must show individual responsibility”

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has released figures which show that Covid deaths in the country have passed 500,000, whilst India has confirmed over 344,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic, although the figure is believed to be much higher. The death rates are only surpassed by the US, which has recorded nearly 600,000 fatalities. It is a sobering fact that deaths from the virus in Europe have passed 726,000, whilst worldwide the figure is over 3,724,000

The Greek government issues an official report on the state of the epidemic each day between 18:00 and 19:00 (local Greek time). We will post details as soon as we receive them

Friday, June 4 – One thousand one hundred and twelve new infections were recorded, with thirty-four deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand two hundred and eighteen

Six of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,106 domestic cases, 564 were confirmed in Attica, 103 in Thessaloniki, 34 in Larissa, 32 in Achaia, 26 in Ioannina, 23 in both Magnesia and Evia, 21 in Kozani, 17 in both Pieria and Etoloakarnania, 13 in each of the following, Imathia, Ilia and Boeotia, 9 in both Fthiotida and Pella, 8 in Karditsa, 7 in both Corinth and Drama, 6 in both Laconia and Arcadia, 5 in each of the following, Florina, Trikala, Serres and Evros, 4 in both Kilkis and Kavala, 3 in Rodopi, 2 in each of the following, Phocis, Halkidiki, Xanthi, Messinia, Grevena and Argolida and 1 in both Preveza and Kastoria
Regarding the islands, 43 cases were confirmed on Crete (21 in Chania, 12 in Heraklion, 7 in Rethymnon and 3 in Lassithi), 11 on both Rhodes and Corfu, 8 on Kos, 5 on Lesbos, 2 on Naxos and 1 on each of the following, Chios, Paros, Lefkada, Karpathos and Zakynthos. Finally, 25 cases are under investigation
(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The committee of experts has postponed changes regarding music in venues, private gathering numbers and any relaxation of curfew times until the end of next week, to ensure that the recent improvement in the epidemiological situation is sustained. It is however expected that music in venues will be allowed from July 1, all being well

The Greek government’s committee of experts is meeting today to assess the epidemiological situation and consider what if any restrictions can be eased. It is expected that included within the discussions on lifting restrictions, will be the ban on music in entertainment venues, the night-time curfew and the number of people allowed to attend private celebrations

Thursday, June 3 – One thousand two hundred and thirty-nine new infections were recorded, with thirty-nine deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand one hundred and eighty-four

One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,238 domestic cases, we apologise, but the details were not been published in a useable format

The European Union has decided that the UK will not be placed on its ‘white list’ allowing non-essential travel, adding further disappointment for British holidaymakers wishing to travel to European destinations

The UK government has updated its ‘green list’ today of countries holidaymakers can visit without having to go into quarantine on their return. No further additions have been made to the ‘green list’. However, Portugal has been moved from the ‘green’ to ‘amber list’ and a further seven countries have been added to the ‘red list’

Wednesday, June 2 – One thousand three hundred and eighty-one new infections were recorded, with twenty-three deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand one hundred and forty-five

One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,380 domestic cases, 712 were confirmed in Attica, 110 in Thessaloniki, 47 in Achaia, 34 in Larissa, 26 in Magnesia, 21 in both Ioannina and Etoloakarnania, 16 in Pieria, 15 in Pella, 14 in Evia, 13 in both Kozani and Imathia, 11 in both Fthiotida and Messinia, 10 in both Florina and Trikala, 8 in both Phocis and Boeotia, 7 in each of the following, Serres, Kavala and Grevena, 6 in both Corinth and Ilia, 5 in each of the following, Xanthi, Kilkis and Argolida, 4 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Karditsa and Drama, 3 in Laconia and 2 in each of the following, Rodopi, Kastoria, Arta and Arcadia

Regarding the islands, 60 cases were confirmed on Crete (25 in Heralkion, 22 in Chania, 7 in Rethymnon and 6 in Lassithi), 13 on Rhodes, 12 on Corfu, 5 in the Attica islands, 3 on both Paros and Lesbos, 2 on each of the following, Tinos, Samos, Kos, Kalymnos and Santorini and 1 on both Naxos and Lefkada.

Finally, 101 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Researchers in the US have published a paper in the medical journal ‘Transfusion’, stating that Covid-19 does not pose a risk to blood transfusion. Nearly 18,000 blood samples were tested from donations collected in the US in 2020 and found that only three samples were positive for Covid-19. However, these were of very low viral load, with the result that the virus would not be transmitted to the person receiving the blood

Tuesday, June 1 – One thousand eight hundred and eighty-six new infections were recorded, with twenty-seven deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand one hundred and twenty-two

Five of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,881`domestic cases, 953 were confirmed in Attica, 169 in Thessaloniki, 52 in Larissa, 41 in Achaia, 36 in Pieria, 34 in Kozani, 32 in Magnesia, 25 in Evia, 24 in Etoloakarnania, 23 in both Ioannina and Ilia, 22 in Boeotia, 21 in Pella, 20 in Corinth, 17 in Florina, 16 in Kavala, 12 in Kilkis, 10 in both Fthiotida and Serres, 9 in each of the following, Messinia, Karditsa and Imathia, 8 in Xanthi, 7 in Trikala, 6 in Argolida, 5 in both Drama and Grevena, 4 in both Halkidiki and Laconia, 3 in each of the following, Phocis, Rodopi, Evros and Arcadia, 2 in Thesprotia and 1 in each of the following, Preveza, Kastoria and Evritania

Regarding the islands, 69 cases were confirmed on Crete (29 in Chania, 26 in Heraklion and 10 in Rethymnon and 4 in Lassithi), 25 Corfu, 16 on Lesbos, 13 on Rhodes, 9 on Zakynthos, 6 in the Attica islands, 5 on Syros, 4 on Naxos, 1 on each of the following, Chios, Kos, Kefalonia and Andros and 1 in the Sporades. Finally, 106 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Today, Greece plus a small group of other EU countries, introduce the new Green Digital Certificate, which will go EU wide on July 1. The certificate is aimed at easing travel within the European Union’s border

The digital certificate will contain the holder’s relevant personal and immunology details, such as the level of vaccination (number of doses, vaccine received and dates), or the result of the last rapid molecular tests (rapid – test) or PCR test. Alternatively, it can confirm that the holder has recovered from Covid-19 and has natural immunity

In Greece the certificate will be issued through the ‘Health and Welfare’ section of the government’s digital website gov.gr (link below) and later through KEP offices

Link to Digital Certificate
(please note at present the on-line system is only accepting Greek passports and identity cards for the purpose of identification)

Monday, May 31 – One thousand and seven new infections were recorded, with forty-one deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand and ninety-five

One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,006 domestic cases, 508 were confirmed in Attica, 107 in Thessaloniki, 30 in Larissa, 21 in Etoloakarnania, 19 in Achaia, 17 in Kozani, 16 in both Fthiotida and Evia, 13 in Magnesia, 12 in Florina, 11 in Corinth, 9 in Messinia, 7 in each of the following, Trikala, Ioannina, Ilia and Grevena, 5 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Pieria, Imathia and Argolida, 4 in both Serres and Kavala, 3 in each of the following, Rodopi, Pella and Kastoria, 2 in each of the following, Xanthi, Laconia, Kilkis, Karditsa, Drama, Arta and Arcadia and 1 in each of the following, Phocis, Preveza, Evrytania, Evros and Boeotia
Regarding the islands, 70 cases were confirmed on Crete (31 in Heraklion, 26 in Chania and 13 in Rethymnon), 10 on both Rhodes and Corfu, 6 on Lesbos, 5 in the Attica islands, 4 on Naxos, 2 on both Samos and Thassos and 1 on each of the following, Chios, Syros, Tinos and Milos. Finally, 30 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

A scientific advisor on the UK government’s Covid panel has voiced concern over the growing number of cases linked to the Indian variant and believes that ending restrictions in the UK on June 21 should be postponed. Yesterday, the UK reported more than 3,000 new Covid infections for a fifth successive day

The UK government has stated that it could not rule out a delay to the easing of existing measures
Sunday, May 30 – Nine hundred and seven new infections were recorded, with thirty deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand and fifty-four

Five of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 902 domestic cases, 445 were confirmed in Attica, 92 in Thessaloniki, 24 in Larissa, 23 in Achaia, 19 in Etoloakarnania, 15 in Magnesia, 12 in Evia, 11 in both Kozani and Karditsa, 10 in Ioannina, 9 in Pieria, 8 in each of the following, Trikala, Pella and Corinth, 7 in Imathia, 6 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Serres and Messinia, 5 in each of the following, Ilia, Evros and Grevena, 4 in Argolida, 3 in both Drama and Boeotia, 2 in each of the following, Fthiotida, Rodopi, Xanthi, Kilkis, Kavala and Arcadia and 1 in each of the following, Phocis, Laconia, Kastoria, Thesprotia and Arta

Regarding the islands, 58 cases were confirmed on Crete (23 in Heraklion, 21 in Chania, 13 in Rethymnon and 1 in Lassithi), 18 on Corfu, 6 on Rhodes, 5 on Lesbos, 3 on Naxos, 2 on each of the following, Syros, Mykonos and Kalymnos and 1 on each of the following, Chios, Paros, Lefkada and Zakynthos. Finally, 38 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Saturday, May 29 – One thousand four hundred and ninety-seven new infections were recorded, with twenty-nine deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to twelve thousand and twenty-four
One of the new cases was detected in a visitor through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,496 domestic cases, 681 were confirmed in Attica, 140 in Thessaloniki, 49 in Magnesia, 47 in Larissa, 36 in both Ioannina and Achaia, 26 in Kozani, 24 in Etoloakarnania, 19 in Evia, 16 in Pieria, 15 in both Fthiotida and Arcadia, 14 in Boeotia, 13 in Trikala, 12 in Pella, 11 in Serres, 10 in Kavala, 9 in both Xanthi and Imathia, 7 in each of the following, Florina, Messinia, Kilkis and Karditsa, 6 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Corinth, Ilia, Evros, Drama and Argolida, 5 in both Phocis and Rodopi, 3 in Kastoria, 2 in both Laconia and Grevena and 1 in both Preveza and Thesprotia

Regarding the islands, 70 cases were confirmed on Crete (27 in both Chania and Heraklion, 11 in Rethymnon and 5 in Lassithi), 25 on Corfu, 13 on Lesbos, 9 on Rhodes, 5 on Kalymnos, 4 on Syros, 3 on Thassos and 3 on the Attica islands, 2 on each of the following, Chios, Tinos, Kos and Andros and 1 on each of the following, Samos, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Milos, Lefkada, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Finally, 83 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The appointment platform for the over 18’s age group opens today in Greece, with the Johnson & Johnson one dose vaccine being dispensed for this group

The Greek Deputy Minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Nikos Hardalias, commented yesterday that “although the overall epidemiological situation in the country is good, there are areas that concern us”, these include Rhodes with a 46% increase in cases, Mytilene with a 36% increase, Syros with a 50% increase and Chania (Crete) with a 26% increase

Mr. Hardalias also announced a tranche of increased measures that can be imposed on areas where there is a deterioration in the epidemiological situation

Friday, May 28 – The European Medicines Agency has approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for 12-15 year old children. The efficacy of the vaccine in children was assessed within a group of 2,260 children, aged 12 to 15 years. The research confirmed that the immune response to the vaccine in this group was comparable to the immune response in the 16 to 25 age group

One thousand five hundred and eighty-five new infections were recorded, with forty deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand nine hundred and ninety-five

Six of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,579 domestic cases, 795 were confirmed in Attica, 140 in Thessaloniki, 52 in Larissa, 46 in Ioannina, 42 in Etoloakarnania, 32 in Achaia, 27 in Magnesia, 25 in Fthiotida, 18 in both Ilia and Boeotia, 17 in Corinth, 15 in Evia, 13 in Messinia, 12 in each of the following, Serres, Pella, Kilkis and Kavala, 11 in both Pieria and Arcadia, 10 in each of the following, Florina, Trikala and Kozani, 9 in Imthia, 6 in Halkidiki, 5 in each of the following, Rodopi, Karditsa, Evros and Argolida, 4 in Drama, 3 in both Xanthi and Grevena, 2 in each of the following, Preveza, Laconia and Thesprotia and 1 in both Kastoria and Arta

Regarding the islands, 68 cases were confirmed on Crete (30 in Heraklion, 17 in both Chania and Rethymnon and 4 in Lassithi), 17 on Corfu, 9 in the Attica islands, 7 on both Naxos and Lesbos, 5 on Syros, 4 on Rhodes, 3 on Chios, 2 on Kalymnos and 1 on each of the following, Samos, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini and Thassos. Finally, 59 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Thursday, May 27 – One thousand nine hundred and five new infections were recorded, with thirty-nine deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand nine hundred and fifty-five
Three of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,902 domestic cases, 918 cases were confirmed in Attica, 204 in Thessaloniki, 76 in Larissa, 48 in Achaia, 46 in Magnesia, 40 in Etoloakarnania, 27 in Evia, 26 in both Kozani and Ioannina, 24 in Corinth, 21 in both Fthiotida and Boeotia, 15 in Evros, 14 in Imathia, 13 in Pella, 12 in Pieria, 10 in both Kilkis and Arcadia, 9 in each of the following, Messinia, Florina and Serres, 8 in each of the following, Rodopi, Xanthi, Ilia and Grevena, 7 in Kavala, 6 in Preveza, 5 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Trikala, Karditsa and Drama, 3 in Thesprotia, 2 in each of the following, Phocis, Kastoria and Evrytania and 1 in each of the following, Laconia, Arta and Argolida,

Regarding the islands, 83 cases were confirmed on Crete (34 in Heraklion, 31 in Chania, 13 in Rethymnon and 5 in Lassithi), 24 on Lesbos, 21 on the Attica islands, 19 on Corfu, 11 on Rhodes, 8 on Naxos, 5 on Kalymnos, 3 on both Chios and Syros, 2 on both Samos and Andros and 1 on each of the following, Tinos, Lemnos and Lefkada. Finally, 63 cases are under investigation

The Australian state of Victoria, which includes the city of Melbourne, has been placed under hard lockdown for 7 days due to increasing numbers of cases of the Indian variant of Covid-19 in the region. The population of Victoria is over 6.8 million, with Melbourne having around 5 million residents
Wednesday, May 26 – One thousand five hundred and seventeen new infections were recorded, with forty-four deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand nine hundred and sixteen
No new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,517 domestic cases, 759 were n confirmed in Attica, 163 in Thessaloniki, 51 in Larissa, 39 in Etoloakarnania, 32 in Achaia, 24 in Evia, 23 in Boeotia, 20 in both Magnesia and Ilia, 18 in Fthiotida, 16 in Imathia, 13 in both Pella and Ioannina, 12 in both Pieria and Corinth, 10 in both Trikala and Serres, 9 in both Xanthi and Kilkis, 8 in both Messinia and Kozani, 6 in Florina, 5 in each of the following, Rodopi, Kavala, Evros, Grevena and Arcadia, 4 in both Karditsa and Drama. 3 in each of the following, Kastoria, Evritania and Argolida and 2 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Preveza, Laconia and Thesprotia
Regarding the islands, 78 cases were confirmed on Crete (26 in Rethymnon, 25 in Heraklion, 23 in Chania and 4 in Lassithi), 14 on Corfu, 10 on Lesbos, 5 on both Kalymnos and Rhodes, 3 on the Attica islands, 2 on each of the following, Naxos, Santorini and Zakynthos and 1 on each of the following, Chios, Syros, Paros, Kefalonia, Thassos and Andros. Finally, 65 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The appointment process for the 35 to 39 age group opens today in Greece, with all four vaccines being available (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson)

Tuesday, May 25 – Two thousand four hundred and thirty-three new infections were recorded, with fifty deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand eight hundred and seventy-two

Three of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,430 domestic cases, 1,154 were confirmed in Attica, 225 in Thessaloniki, 72 in Larissa, 62 in Achaia, 54 in Ioannina, 50 in Boeotia, 49 in Etoloakarnania, 48 in Magnesia, 41 in Evia, 26 in Kozani, 17 in Imathia, 16 in both Xanthi and Kavala, 15 in both Florina and Serres, 14 in both Messinia and Kilkis, 13 in both Trikala and Corinth, 12 in both Pieria and Drama, 11 in both Pella and Evros, 10 in Halkidiki, 9 in each of the following, Fthiotida, Ilia and Argolida, 6 in both Karditsa and Kastoria, 5 in both Laconia and Arcadia, 4 in Thesprotia, 3 in Grevena, 2 in each of the following, Fokida, Rodopi and Evrytania and 1 in Preveza

Regarding the islands, 123 cases were confirmed on Crete (61 in Heraklion, 48 in Chania, 10 in Rethymnon and 4 in Lassithi), 51 on Corfu, 20 on Lesbos, 9 on Rhodes, 7 on Kalymnos, 6 on Samos and 6 in the Attica islands, 4 on each of the following, Lemnos, Kos and Zakynthos, 3 on each of the following, Syros, Kefalonia, Santorini and Thassos, 2 on both Chios and Andros and 1 on Paros. Finally, 146 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Greece has passed 5 million vaccinations. In an announcement on Twitter, the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, confirmed “Yesterday, Greece broke the barrier of 5,000,000 vaccinations, 3,280,000 citizens have received at least one dose of vaccine and of these 1,810,000 are fully vaccinated. We are continuing at a fast pace towards our goal: Freedom!” At the last census in 2019, the population of Greece was recorded at 10.72 million

Monday, May 24 – One thousand three hundred and eighty one new infections were recorded, with fifty deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand eight hundred and twenty-two
Three of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,378 domestic cases, 650 were confirmed in Attica, 101 in Thessaloniki, 50 in Achaia, 43 in Magnesia, 42 in Etoloakarnania, 40 in Ioannina, 38 in Larissa, 25 in Evia, 21 in Kozani, 19 in Fthiotida, 16 in Pieria, 13 in Imathia, 12 in both Florina and Corinth, 10 in both Ilia and Arcadia, 9 in Xanthi, 8 in both Trikala and Evros, 7 in each of the following, Pella, Messinia and Kavala, 6 in each of the following, Serres, Karditsa and Boeotia, 5 in both Laconia and Drama, 4 in Preveza, 3 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Kastoria and Argolida, 2 in each of the following, Phocis, Rodopi and Kilkis, 1 in each of the following, Evrytania, Grevena and Arta

Regarding the islands, 73 cases were confirmed on Crete (32 in Heraklion, 23 in Chania, 17 in Rethymnon and 1 in Lassithi), 16 on Corfu, 14 on Lesbos, 10 on Rhodes, 8 on Kalymnos, 6 on Syros, 4 in the Attica islands, 2 on Zakynthos and 1 on each of the following, Tinos, Samos, Paros, Naxos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Santorini and Andros. Finally, 39 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

India has passed 300,000 deaths from Covid-19, ranking the country third in the world for deaths after the US and Brazil, and second after the US, with regard to the number of cases recorded. However, it is thought that the true figures are significantly higher

Sunday, May 23 – Eight hundred and seventy-seven new infections were recorded, with thirty-eight deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand seven hundred and seventy-two
Six of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 871 domestic cases, 467 were confirmed in Attica, 90 in Thessaloniki, 32 in Larissa, 25 in Etoloakarnania, 17 in Ioannina, 13 in both Magnesia and Boeotia, 8 in Achaia, 7 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Fthiotida and Pella, 6 in each of the following, Serres, Kozani and Thesprotia, 5 in both Trikala and Imathia, 4 in each of the following, Florina, Karditsa, Kavala, Evia, Grevena and Arcadia, 3 in each of the following, Syros, Pieria, Xanthi, Corinth, Kilkis, Kastoria, Evros and Drama, 2 in each of the following, Rodopi, Laconia, Ilia and Argolida, 1 in each of the following, Fokida, Messinia and Evrytania

Regarding the islands, 50 cases were confirmed on Crete (25 in Heraklion, 13 in Chania and 12 in Rethymnon), 13 on Corfu, 4 on Rhodes, 3 in the Attica islands, 1 on each of the following, Kos, Kefalonia, Kalymnos and Ikaria. Finally, 24 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

A study by ‘Public Health England’ has found that after two doses of either the Pfizer/BioNTech or the AstraZeneca vaccines, patients gain a very high level of protection against the Indian variant. However, three weeks after the first dose of either vaccine, protection only rises to around 33%, confirming it is essential to receive both doses.

Saturday, May 22 – Two thousand five hundred and five new infections were recorded, with thirty-seven deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand seven hundred and thirty-four

Six of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,499 domestic cases, 726 were confirmed in Attica, 141 in Thessaloniki, 48 in Larissa, 43 in Achaia, 33 in Etoloakarnania, 32 in Magnesia, 28 in Boeotia, 25 in both Ioannina and Evia, 16 in both Corinth and Kozani, 14 in both Fthiotida and Drama, 12 in Trikala, 10 in each of the following, Serres, Xanthi, Imathia and Arcadia, 9 in both Pella and Evros, 8 in each of the following, Florina, Kilkis and Kavala, 7 in both Messinia and Ilia, 5 in each of the following, Preveza, Kastoria and Argolida, 4 in Rodopi, 3 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Pieria and Thesprotia, 2 in each of the following, Fokida, Karditsa and Evritania and 1 in Arta

Regarding the islands, 63 cases were confirmed on Crete (39 in Heraklion, 14 in Chania, 8 in Rethymnon and 2 in Lassithi), 11 in the Attica islands, 7 on Rhodes, 5 on both Lesbos and Corfu, 4 on Zakynthos, 3 on each of the following, Chios, Kos and Kalymnos, 2 on both Samos and Lefkada and 1 on each of the following, Tinos, Mykonos, Lemnos, Kefalonia, Karpathos, Ikaria, Santorini and Thassos. Finally, 79 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Daily new infections – 1,505

On Monday, a new mega vaccination centre opens on the Aegean island of Rhodes, with 24 vaccination units capable of performing thousands of vaccinations per day

From midnight on Sunday, Germany is imposing a temporary ban on all travellers arriving from Britain (excluding German residents), due to concerns over the spread of the Indian Covid variant in the UK. However, all those allowed to enter Germany will have to self-isolate for two weeks, even if they test negative for Covid-19

There is no word from other European countries or the EU, as to whether the ban will be extended to other states, although Spain announced last week that it was opening its borders to UK travellers from Monday, with arrivals not requiring a PCR test. Those returning from Spain will though still have to quarantine at home or in the place of residence for 10 days, as well as taking a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8

Friday, May 21 – Two thousand and twenty new infections were recorded, with fifty-six deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand six hundred and ninety-seven

Three of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,017 domestic cases, 987 were confirmed in Attica, 158 in Thessaloniki, 69 in both Ioannina and Etoloakarnania, 66 in Larissa, 47 in Achaia, 45 in Magnesia, 30 in Evia, 24 in Boeotia, 21 in Fthiotida, 20 in Corinth, 19 in Ilia, 17 in both Kozani and Arcadia, 16 in both Pieria and Kavala, 15 in Pella, 13 in both Serres and Xanthi, 10 in Imathia, 9 in Florina, 8 in each of the following, Trikala, Kilkis and Kastoria, 7 in Rodopi, 6 in Argolida, 5 in Grevena, 4 in each of the following, Phocis, Drama and Evros, 3 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Preveza, Messinia and Karditsa, 2 in Laconia and 1 in each of the following, Thesprotia, Evritania and Arta

Regarding the islands, 89 cases were confirmed on Crete (50 in Heraklion, 24 in Chania and 15 in Rethymnon), 22 on Lesbos, 19 on Corfu, 9 on Kalymnos, 7 in the Attica islands, 6 on both Rhodes and Kefalonia, 5 on Kos, 4 on both Tinos and Naxos, 2 on both Chios and Andros and 2 in Kea-Kythnos and 1 on each of the following, Lemnos, Lefkada, Syros and Samos. Finally, 84 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The appointment programme for Covid vaccinations for the 40 to 44 age group opened today, with those applying being able to choose between the four available vaccines (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson). However, the government has imposed a 16-day delay penalty on those who ask to change appointments more than twice, as this is hampering the smooth flow of the vaccination programme

The age groups of 35 to 39 and 30 to 35, will follow on from the 40 to 44 age group, with those aged 18 to 29 eligible for vaccination from mid-June

Thursday, May 20 – One thousand nine hundred and eighteen new infections were recorded, with fifty-four deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand six hundred and forty-one
Four of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,914 domestic cases, 987 were confirmed in Attica, 142 in Thessaloniki, 72 in Etoloakarnaia, 60 in Larissa, 47 in Achaia, 45 in Ioannina, 28 in both Magnersia and Boeotia, 26 in Evia, 20 in Imathia, 17 in Kavala, 16 in Pella, 14 in Kilkis, 12 in each of the following, Trikala, Corinth and Kozani, 11 in Fthiotida, 10 in Ilia, 9 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Serres, Rodopi, Pieria, Drama and Arcadia, 8 in each of the following, Xanthi, Kastoria and Grevena, 7 in both Karditsa and Evros, 4 in each of the following, Messinia, Laconia, Thesprotia and Argolida, 3 in both Phocis and Florina and 1 in Preveza

Regarding the islands, 94 cases were confirmed on Crete (52 in Heraklion, 19 in Chania, 18 in Rethymnon and 5 in Lassithi ), 27 on Corfu, 22 on Lesbos, 7 on Rhodes, 5 on Andros, 4 on Paros, 3 on each of the following, Syros, Samos, Naxos, Kos and Kalymnos and 3 in the Attica islands, 2 on Lefkada and 1 on each of the following, Milos, Ikaria and Zakynthos. Finally, 58 cases are under investigation
(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Senior government officials are visiting the Aegean island of Kalymnos today to assess the epidemiological situation after a surge in infections led to the imposition of a hard lockdown on the island on May 4. Their findings will affect the decision as to whether the restrictive measures can be lifted on May 24 as originally planned

Research at New York University has concluded that both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are effective against the Indian virus variant, known as B.1.617
Wednesday, May 19 – Two thousand two hundred and ninety-three new infections were recorded, with fifty-three deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand five hundred and eighty-seven

Five of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,288 domestic cases, 1,050 were confirmed in Attica, 189 in Thessaloniki, 93 in Larissa, 92 in Etoloakarnania, 71 in Achaia, 48 in Ioannina, 39 in Magnesia, 34 in Kozani, 32 in Evia, 27 in Ilia, 26 in Imathia, 25 in Arcadia, 24 in Boeotia, 20 in Xanthi, 19 in Corinth, 17 in Evros, 15 in both Fthiotida and Trikala, 14 in both Karditsa and Kavala, 13 in Pieria, 12 in Drama, 10 in each of the following, Serres, Pella and Kilkis, 8 in both Florina and Rodopi, 7 in Grevena, 6 in both Thesprotia and Argolida, 4 in Halkidiki, 2 in both Laconia and Evritania, 1 in each of the following, Phocis, Preveza, Kastoria and Arta

Regarding the islands, 93 cases were confirmed on Crete (46 in Heraklion, 27 in Chania, 14 in Rethymnon and 6 in Lassithi), 32 on Lesbos, 30 on Corfu, 18 on Kalymnos, 9 on Kos, 6 in the Attica islands, 4 on Rhodes, 3 on each of the following, Tinos, Naxos and Kefalonia, 2 on each of the following, Chios, Lefkada, Ikaria, Thassos, Zakynthos and Andros, 1 on Santorini and 1 in both the Sporades and Kea-Kythnos. Finally, 106 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Representatives of the 27 European Union member states have agreed today to allow travellers from outside the union’s borders, who have been vaccinated with the necessary doses of Covid vaccines approved by the EU, to enter European Union countries

By the end of May, 5.6 million vaccinations should have been given in Greece, with 35% of the population having received the first dose and around 20% both doses. However, authorities are still concerned about the Kent, South African and Indian virus variants and their increased transmissibility, especially after the scenes of crowds in city centres at the weekend, with many totally ignoring social distancing

To confirm, the use of a mask remains mandatory in all areas outside the home, even in restaurants when not eating, only 3 people are allowed in a car, unless family members, and the curfew strictly starts at 00:30. Contravention of the rules carries a 300€ fine. Police checks will continue to be intensive, especially regarding restaurants, as well as in areas where lately there has been overcrowding and non-compliance with the measures

Tuesday, May 18 – Two thousand eight hundred and twelve new infections were recorded, with sixty-three deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand five hundred and thirty-four
Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,810 domestic cases, 1,419 were confirmed in Attica, 245 in Thessaloniki, 114 in Etoloakarnania, 90 in Larissa, 70 in Achaia, 45 in Magnesia, 44 in Evia, 33 in Ioannina, 31 in Corinth, 30 in both Xanthi and Boeotia, 27 in Kozani, 26 in Trikala, 23 in Kilkis, 22 in both Fthiotida and Evros, 21 in Kavala, 16 in Drama, 15 in Ilia, 14 in both Florina and Argolida, 13 in Arcadia, 12 in Imathia, 11 in Karditsa, 9 in both Halkidiki and Messinia, 8 in each of the following, Serres, Rodopi, Pieria, Pella and Grevena, 7 in Thesprotia and 2 in both Phocis and Kastoria

Regarding the islands, 114 cases were confirmed on Crete (53 in Heraklion, 37 in Chania, 17 in Rethymnon and 7 in Lassithi), 36 on Corfu, 19 on Lesbos, 13 on Rhodes, 10 on Kalymnos, 9 on Kos, 6 on Mykonos and 6 in the Attica islands, 4 on each of the following, Chios, Tinos and Zakynthos, 3 on Syros, 2 on both Lefkada and Andros, 1 on each of the following, Samos, Paros, Naxos, Lemnos, Kefalonia, Santorini and Thassos and 1 in the Sporades. Finally, 114 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is to meet with his ministers amid growing concerns at the spread of the Indian variant of the Covid virus within the country. Reports indicate that local lockdowns in the worst hit areas are on the table and that the so called ‘Freedom Day’ of June 21, when it was planned that all remaining restrictions were to be lifted in the UK is now in serious doubt

Monday, May 17 – One thousand four hundred and two new infections were recorded, with fifty-six deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand four hundred and seventy-one
Four of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,398 domestic cases, 685 were confirmed in Attica, 134 in Thessaloniki, 55 in Etoloakarnania, 47 in Achaia, 41 in Larissa, 35 in Magnesia, 21 in Corinth, 20 in both Boeotia and Evia, 15 in Fthiodita, 14 in Kilkis, 13 in Imathia, 11 in Ioannina, 10 in Evros, 9 in both Pieria and Kozani, 8 in both Trikala and Arcadia, 7 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Xanthi and Kastoria, 5 in each of the following, Preveza, Karditsa and Drama, 4 in each of the following, Serres, Rodopi, Pella and Argolida, 3 in each of the following, Laconia, Thesprotia, Ilia and Grevena, 2 in both Kavala and Arta and 1 in each of the following, Messinia, Fokida, Florina and Evritania

Regarding the islands, 73 cases were confirmed on Crete (42 in Heraklion, 14 in Chania, 13 in Rethymnon and 4 in Lassithi), 11 on Kalymnos, 10 on Corfu, 5 on Lesbos, 4 on each of the following, Chios, Rhodes, Naxos, Kos, Santorini and Andros, 3 on Tinos, 2 in the Attica islands, 1 on each of the following, Samos, Paros, Lemnos, Lefkada and Kefalonia and 1 in Kea-Kythnos. Finally, 37 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline has confirmed results from phase 2 clinical trials of its Covid vaccine developed in conjunction with French pharmaceutical company Sanofi. Results have shown that the vaccine produces neutralising antibodies in all ages in 95% to 100% of patients, at levels comparable to those seen in people who had recovered from Covid-19. Final clinical trials will begin in a few weeks

The vaccine is given in combination with an ‘adjuvant’, a drug that acts as a vaccine booster, which is produced by GSK

Today sees the further lifting of Covid restrictions in the UK, including the easing of the rules on international travel, but with only twelve destinations on the country’s ‘Green’ list, which as yet doesn’t include Greece. However, the Welsh government continues to advise its citizens that they should only travel abroad for “essential reasons”

Sunday, May 16 – Scientists in the UK believe that the Indian variant, given the designation B.1.617.2, is a lot more transmissible than previous mutations and has likely become the dominant strain in the country. However, data from early research is indicating that existing vaccines are still effective against the virus

One thousand two hundred and sixty-two new infections were recorded, with fifty deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand four hundred and fifteen

Four of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,258 domestic cases, 609 were confirmed in Attica, 84 in Thessaloniki, 67 in Etoloakarnania, 40 in Achaia, 33 in Larissa, 27 in Ioannina, 25 in Magnesia, 18 in Trikala, 16 in each of the following, Ilia, Boeotia and Arcadia, 15 in Fthiodita, 14 in Corinth, 13 in Kavala, 11 in Evia, 10 in both Xanthi and Evros, 8 in Karditsa, 7 in each of the following, Pieria, Kozani and Drama, 6 in Thesprotia, 5 in both Pella and Messinia, 4 in each of the following, Preveza, Imathia and Argolida, 3 in each of the following, Florina, Rodopi, Laconia, Kastoria and Grevena and 1 in both Halkidiki and Phocis

Regarding the islands, 66 cases were confirmed on Crete (38 in Heralkion, 14 in Rethymnon, 12 in Chania and 2 in Lassithi), 21 on Kalymnos, 11 on Corfu, 10 on Lesbos, 9 in the Attica islands, 4 on Kos, 3 on Andros, 2 on each of the following, Tinos, Rhodes, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos and Ikaria and 1 on each of the following, Samos, Chios, Karpathos, Lemnos, Santorini, Thassos and Zakynthos. Finally, 17 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The government has eased the restrictions on Sunday trading for both today and next Sunday. Shops, retail malls and services such as hairdressers are allowed to open, although optional, until 21:00 both days, with supermarkets, mini markets, bakeries, butchers, fishmongers, patisseries, pharmacies and petrol stations allowed to stay open until 22:30

The hard lockdown imposed on the southern Aegean island of Kalymnos on May 4, due to a surge in infections, has been extended by the government until May 24, as the number of daily new cases remains high. Residents are not allowed to leave home, other than for work, essential shopping, medical reasons, or for pet needs and a full curfew comes into force at 18:00 each day. Travel off the island is only allowed for medical reasons

Saturday, May 15 – One thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven new infections were recorded, with forty-three deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand three hundred and sixty-five

Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,955 domestic cases, 880 were confirmed in Attica, 184 Thessaloniki, 79 in Etoloakarnania, 61 in Larissa, 49 in Magnesia, 41 in Ioannina, 33 in Achaia, 30 in Evros, 29 in Boeotia, 24 in Trikala, 22 in Evia, 20 in Argolida, 18 in both Pieria and Arcadia, 17 in both Kozani and Ilia, 16 in Kavala, 14 in both Serres and Corinth, 13 in both Xanthi and Imathia, 12 in Fthiotida, 11 in Thesprotia, 10 in both Halkidiki and Kastoria, 9 in each of the following, Florina, Kilkis and Drama, 7 in both Pella and Karditsa, 6 in Rodopi, 5 in both Messinia and Grevena, 2 in Phocis and 1 in both Laconia and Arta
Regarding the islands, 82 cases were confirmed on Crete (42 in Heraklion, 24 in Chania, 10 in Rethymnon and 6 in Lassithi), 20 on Lesbos, 14 on Kalymnos, 11 on Corfu, 7 on Kos, 6 on Ikaria and 6 in the Attica islands, 4 on Paros, 3 on Chios, 2 on each of the following, Syros, Rhodes, Karpathos, Zakynthos and Andros and 1 on each of the following, Naxos, Samos, Milos, Kefalonia, Santorini and Thassos. Finally, 90 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The government has closed the border station between Bulgaria and Greece at Nymfaea to all but commercial vehicles until May 25. This leaves only the Bulgaria/Greece border stations of Ormenio and Promochonas open to the public

Friday, May 14 – Two thousand one hundred and eighty-eight new infections were recorded, with fifty-six deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand three hundred and twenty-two
Five of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,183 domestic cases, 1,071 were confirmed in Attica, 215 in Thessaloniki, 132 in Etoloakarnania, 63 in Larissa, 54 in Achaia, 36 in Ioannina, 35 in Magnesia, 33 in Evia, 26 in Evros, 23 in Drama, 21 in Fthiotida, 20 in both Pella and Boeotia, 19 in Corinth, 16 in Kozani, 15 in both Florina and Trikala, 14 in Pieria, 13 in each of the following, Xanthi, Kilkis and Imathia, 12 in Kavala, 11 in both Serres and Argolida, 7 in Arcadia, 6 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Rodopi, Karditsa and Ilia, 5 in Laconia, 4 in each of the following, Kastoria, Thesprotia and Grevena, 3 in both Phocis and Messinia and 2 in Preveza

Regarding the islands, 75 cases were confirmed on Crete (37 in Heraklion, 19 in Chania, 15 in Rethymnon and 4 in Lassithi), 23 on Corfu, 11 on both Kos and Kalymnos, 7 on each of the following, Rhodes, Lesbos and Andros, 6 in the Attica islands, 5 on Mykonos, 4 on Naxos, 3 on each of the following, Chios, Syros and Thassos, 2 on Paros and 1 on each of the following, Samos, Lemnos, Lefkada, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Finally, 54 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Today marks both the ending of a number of Covid-19 measures, as well as the imposition of new across Greece. The requirement to send an SMS to confirm the reason for travel, the ban of interregional travel and the majority of restrictions on retail have all been lifted, with the start of curfew being moved from 23:00 to 00:30. However, new restrictions concerning travel to and from the Greek islands come into force (see May 12 for details)

Today also sees Greece once again re-opening to international tourism, although under strict conditions, with the addition of the ‘green certificate’ for European Union citizens to be introduced from June 1

The wearing of a mask is still mandatory in all circumstances outside the place of residence
Thursday, May 13 – Two thousand one hundred and sixty-seven new infections were recorded, with fifty-five deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand two hundred and sixty-six
Three of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,164 domestic cases, 920 were confirmed in Attica, 169 in Thessaloniki, 127 in Etoloakarnania, 68 in Magnesia, 67 in Larissa, 62 in Ioannina, 44 in Achaia, 35 in Evia, 31 in Boeotia, 28 in Kavala, 27 in Imathia, 26 in Xanthi, 25 in Fthiotida, 23 in Kozani, 20 in Trikala, 18 in Evros, 15 in each of the following, Ilia, Drama and Arcadia, 14 in Serres, 13 in Kilkis, 12 in Kastoria, 11 in Halkidiki, 10 in each of the following, Pieria, Pella and Argolida, 9 in Karditsa, 7 in each of the following, Florina, Rodopi and Corinth, 6 in Phocis, 3 in Grevena, 2 in each of the following, Preveza, Laconia and Thesprotia and 1 in each of the following, Messinia, Evrytania and Arta

Regarding the islands, 90 cases were confirmed on Crete (52 in Heraklion, 22 in Chania, 14 in Rethymnon and 2 in Lassithi), 36 on Kalymnos, 25 on Corfu, 20 on Lesbos, 12 on Kos, 7 on Rhodes, 5 on Paros, 4 on both Mykonos and Thassos and 4 on the Attica islands, 3 on Samos, 2 on each of the following, Lemnos, Karpathos and Andros and 1 on each of the following, Naxos, Milos, Ikaria and Santorini. Finally, 81 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

A number of EU countries will be participating in tests of the ‘green digital certificate’, which is aimed at opening up travel within the European Union. The certificate, obtained through a government’s electronic system, confirms that the person has been fully vaccinated, or has had a coronavirus molecular test, or an antigen or antibody test. The certificate when issued will have a QR code making it impossible to counterfeit. Greece is in the first group of countries that will be taking part in the test

Wednesday, May 12 – The Greek government has confirmed this evening that from this Friday, May 14, the ban on interregional travel will be lifted. However, new measures are being imposed for travel to and from the islands (excluding Lefkada, Salamina and Evia), requiring any traveller over the age of 5 to present one of the following, a vaccination certificate (14 days after the second dose), a negative PCR test (undertaken within the previous 72hrs), or a negative rapid test undertaken in the previous 24 hours. With regard to tests, a declaration of a self-test should be made on the government website ‘self-testing.gov.gr’, whilst those who attend public or private clinics for a PCR, or rapid antigen test, should request the digital certificate with the result of the test

May 14 will also see the end of SMS messaging to confirm the reason for travel, the easing of the travel curfew to 00:30 until 05:00 and the full re-opening of the retail sector
Further confirmations are as follows, kindergartens will reopen on May 17, summer cinemas on May 21, and cultural centres on May 28. The ban on live music within restaurants and bars will continue throughout May

Two thousand four hundred and eighty-nine new infections were recorded, with seventy deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand two hundred and eleven

Five of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,484 domestic cases, 1,048 were confirmed in Attica, 226 in Thessaloniki, 127 in Etoloakarnania, 66 in Achaia, 61 in Larissa, 60 in Magnesia, 59 in Ioannina, 44 in Boeotia, 37 in Evia, 30 in Kozani, 29 in Drama, 28 in each of the following, Serres, Evros and Arcadia, 26 in Ilia, 24 in Kavala, 22 in Fthiotida, 21 in both Florina and Corinth, 20 in Argolida, 19 in Trikala, 17 in Imathia, 16 in Pella, 15 in both Xanthi and Kilkis, 14 in Karditsa, 11 in Halkidiki, 9 in Pieria, 6 in both Rodopi and Thesprotia, 4 in each of the following, Laconia, Kastoria and Grevena, 3 in both Messinia and Arta, 2 in both Preveza and Evritania and 1 in Phocis

Regarding the islands, 101 cases were confirmed on Crete (59 in Heraklion, 25 in Chania, 13 in Rethymnon and 4 in Lassithi), 31 on Kalymnos, 25 on Lesbos, 15 on Corfu and 15 in the Attica islands, 9 on Kos, 4 on Samos, 3 on each of the following, Chios, Syros, Rhodes, Paros, Ikaria, Thassos and Andros, 2 on both Santorini and Zakynthos and 2 in the Sporades, 1 on each of the following, Naxos, Lemnos, Lefkada, Kefalonia and Karpathos. Finally, 96 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Later today, the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, will be announcing the timing of the further easing of measures in the country. It is expected that this will include the lifting of the ban on interregional travel, as well as a reduction in the travel curfew times. It is also expected that the dates for the abolition of the SMS system to confirm the reason for travel, the end of shopping restrictions and the reopening of gyms will be confirmed

Tuesday, May 11 – Three thousand one hundred and ninety-seven new infections were recorded, with fifty-two deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand one hundred and forty-one
Fourteen of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 3,183 domestic cases, 1,330 were confirmed in Attica, 343 in Thessaloniki, 158 in Etoloakarnania, 110 in Larissa, 72 in Achaia, 58 in Evia, 48 in Magnesia, 47 in Boeotia, 42 in Kozani, 41 in both Ioannina and Evros, 38 in Arcadia, 36 in Kavala, 35 in Serres, 29 in both Corinth and Argolida, 28 in Fthiotida, 27 in both Trikala and Drama, 24 in Florina, 23 in both Kilkis and Ilia, 22 in Pella, 15 in Xanthi, 14 in Imathia, 13 in both Karditsa and Thesprotia, 12 in Messinia, 11 in Phocis, 9 in Rodopi, 8 in both Pieria and Laconia, 6 in Kastoria, 4 in Preveza, 3 in Grevena and 2 in both Evritania and Arta

Regarding the islands, 125 cases were confirmed on Crete (54 in Heraklion, 43 in Chania, 15 in Rethymnon and 13 in Lassithi), 53 on Corfu, 35 on Kalymnos, 26 in the Attica islands, 16 on Lesbos, 15 on Kos, 8 on Rhodes, 4 on both Chios and Andros, 3 on each of the following, Syros, Naxos and Thassos and 3 in Kea-Kythnos, 2 on both Samos and Karpathos and 1 on each of the following, Lemnos, Lefkada, Ikaria and Santorini. Finally, 126 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, government ministers and officials, held a conference call today regarding a new initiative designated ‘Blue Freedom’ which aims, by the end of June, to vaccinate all the residents over the age of 18 on Greek islands that have a population of more than 10,000, with the exception of Crete. The aim is to achieve ‘Covid-free’ destinations for the coming summer tourist season. Mayors from the 19 islands included in the plan participated in the conference including the Mayor of Thassos, Mr. Eleftherios Kyriakidis, who welcomes the move as a way of stimulating the economies of the hard-hit Greek islands. The government will be announcing further details of the plan in the coming days

Universal vaccinations on 32 smaller islands have already been completed, with a further 36 on track to be completed by the end of May

Monday, May 10 – The Greek government has confirmed today that those aged 40 to 44 can start to apply for vaccination appointments during the last ten days of May. The appointment process for the 35 to 39 and 30 to 34 age group will then follow. The appointment platforms for the age groups 25 to 29 and 18 to 24 will likely open in June, dependent on vaccine supplies

One thousand nine hundred and four new infections were recorded, with sixty deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand and eighty-nine

Seven of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,897 domestic cases, 797 were confirmed in Attica, 184 in Thessaloniki, 107 in Etoloakarnania, 49 in Achaia, 46 in Larissa, 39 in Evia, 37 in Magnesia, 36 in Ioannina, 29 in Kavala, 23 in Drama, 19 in both Kozani and Boeotia, 17 in Arcadia, 16 in Trikala, 15 in Halkidiki, 14 in Xanthi, 13 in each of the following, Phocis, Florina, Serres and Pella, 12 in both Corinth and Ilia, 10 in Argolida, 9 in each of the following, Fthiotida, Kastoria, Karditsa and Imathia, 8 in each of the following, Messinia, Kilkis and Evros, 7 in Rodopi, 5 in both Pieria and Thesprotia, 4 in Laconia, 3 in both Grevena and Arta and 1 in Evrytania

Regarding the islands, 95 cases were confirmed on Crete (52 in Heraklion, 26 in Chania, 15 in Rethymnon and 2 in Lassithi), 52 on Kalymnos, 21 on Corfu, 10 on Lesbos, 6 on Kos, 5 in the Attica islands, 4 on both Samos and Rhodes, 3 on Paros, 2 on each of the following, Naxos, Karpathos, Kefalonia, Thassos and Zakynthos, 1 on each of the following, Tinos, Lefkada, Lemnos, Ikaria, Santorini and Andros and 1 in the Sporades. Finally, 59 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Primary and secondary schools re-open today across Greece, after three months of distance learning for students. The wearing of masks is mandatory, as is the confirmation of a negative Covid self-test

Sunday, May 9 – One thousand four hundred and twenty-eight new infections were recorded, with fifty-one deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to eleven thousand and twenty-nine

One of the new cases was detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,427 domestic cases, 710 were confirmed in Attica, 150 in Thessaloniki, 82 in Etoloakarnania, 46 in Larissa, 45 in Achaia, 32 in Fthiodita, 30 in Magnesia, 24 in Ioannina, 21 in Trikala, 19 in Kozani, 17 in Boeotia, 11 in Arcadia, 10 in Corinth, 9 in each of the following, Xanthi, Evros and Drama, 8 in both Pella and Ilia, 7 in Pieria, 6 in both Evia and Arta, 5 in each of the following, Kilkis, Kavala, Grevena and Argolida, 4 in both Halkidiki and Thesprotia, 3 in both Rodopi and Karditsa, 2 in each of the following, Messinia, Laconia and Kastoria and 1 in each of the following, Fokida, Serres, Imathia and Evritania

Regarding the islands, 48 cases were confirmed on Crete (23 in Heraklion, 13 in Rethymnon, 9 in Chania and 3 in Lassithi), 11 on Kalymnos, 10 on Corfu, 8 on Rhodes, 5 on both Ikaria and Andros, 4 on both Kos and Thassos, 2 on the Attica islands, 1 on each of the following, Syros, Samos, Mykonos and Lefkada and 1 in the Sporades. Finally, 22 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The UK government is to reassess which countries will be on its ‘Green List’ in the first week of June, with travel to any additions coming into force in the second week
Chief Executive Officer of easyJet, Johan Lundgren, has weighed-in saying that Greece, Spain and their islands should move to ‘Green’ status in three weeks with the rest of Europe following by summer, as the risk in those nations was ‘very low’, comparable to that in the UK

Saturday, May 8 – Two thousand four hundred and sixty-one new infections were recorded, with sixty-eight deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to ten thousand nine hundred and seventy-eight

Four of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,457 domestic cases, 1,100 were confirmed in Attica, 285 in Thessaloniki, 108 in Etoloakarnania, 72 in Boeotia, 57 in Larissa, 55 in Achaia, 50 in Magnesia, 37 in Ioannina, 28 in Kozani, 27 in Evros, 24 in Argolida, 21 in Fthiotida, 20 in Pella, 19 in each of the following, Florina, Kilkis and Evia, 18 in both Xanthi and Kavala, 17 in both Trikala and Serres, 15 in Drama, 13 in Pieria, 12 in Ilia, 11 in both Corinth and Imathia, 10 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Karditsa, Messinia and Arcadia, 9 in Kastoria, 8 in Thesprotia, 7 in Laconia, 6 in Rodopi, 5 in Grevena, 4 in Phocis and 1 in both Evritania and Arta

Regarding the islands, 75 cases were confirmed on Crete (46 in Heraklion, 21 in Chania, 6 in Rethymnon and 2 in Lassithi), 29 on Kalymnos, 22 in the Attica islands, 18 on Corfu, 11 on Karpathos, 9 on Rhodes, 5 on both Kos and Thassos, 4 on both Naxos and Santorini, 3 on Ikaria, 2 on each of the following, Chios, Samos and Lesbos and 2 in the Sporades, 1 on each of the following, Paros, Tinos and Mykonos. Finally, 107 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The EU have signed a contract with the pharmaceutical partnership Pfizer/BioNTech to supply the union with 1.8 billion vaccine doses to cover its requirements for the period 2021 to 2023

The Greek government has confirmed that around 4.5 million citizens have confirmed appointments for Covid-19 vaccinations from today until July, with 2.4 million vaccinations of the first dose and 1.14 million of both doses having been administered so far

The UK has published its ‘traffic light’ list of countries (red, amber and green), which designates countries dependent on the government’s appraisal of the level of risk from Covid-19. Greece at present has been categorised as ‘amber’, which means the UK government is advising its citizens not to visit purely for leisure reasons. Amber categorisation requires travellers returning to the UK to adhere to the following measures prior to and on their return:-

Complete a ‘Passenger Locator Form’ before returning

Take a Covid-19 test (72hrs prior to return)

Book and pay for a further 2 Covid-19 tests in the UK, to be taken on day 2 and 8 after return

Quarantine at your UK place of residence for 10 days

The measures come into force on May 17, but will be reassessed every few weeks and are in addition to any measures imposed by the Greek government for entry to the country at the time of travel

Friday, May 7 – Two thousand six hundred and ninety-one new infections were recorded, with sixty-three deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to ten thousand nine hundred and ten

Seven of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,684 domestic cases, 1,228 were confirmed in Attica, 271 in Thessaloniki, 150 in Etoloakarnania, 61 in Achaia, 58 in both Larissa and Magnesia, 44 in Evia, 43 in Kozani, 36 in Boeotia, 35 in Ioannina, 30 in both Serres and Corinth, 22 in Fthiodita, 20 in each of the following, Trikala, Kavala and Evros, 19 in Drama, 18 in Kilkis, 15 in both Pieria and Arcadia, 14 in each of the following, Florina, Imathia, Ilia and Argolida, 13 in each of the following, Pella, Karditsa and Thesprotia, 12 in Xanthi, 10 in Messinia, 9 in both Halkidiki and Kastoria, 7 in Preveza, 6 in Phocis, 5 in both Rodopi and Laconia, 4 in Evritania, 2 in Arta and 1 in Grevena

Regarding the islands, 89 cases were confirmed on Crete (44 in Heraklion, 19 in Rethymnon, 16 in Chania and 10 in Lassithi), 27 on Kalymnos, 19 on Corfu, 17 in the Attica islands, 16 on Lesbos, 10 on Naxos, 7 on Kos, 6 on Zakynthos, 5 on Rhodes, 3 on Kefalonia, 2 on each of the following, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Karpathos and Thassos, 1 on each of the following, Mykonos, Paros and Santorini and 1 in both Kea-Kythnos and the Sporades. Finally, 112 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The Greek government’s ‘Committee on Infectious Diseases’ has confirmed that museums can reopen on May 14, summer cinemas on May 25 and open-air theatres on May 28
Concern is growing in the UK over a new variant of the Covid-19 virus, which was first detected in India, as it appears to spread more quickly than two other identified subtypes of Indian virus mutations. However, at this stage there is no evidence that this new strain of the virus is resistant to current vaccines

The Greek government’s scientific committee is meeting today to evaluate the epidemiological situation in the country and determine what steps can be taken to further normalise life
Thursday, May 6 – Preliminary results from clinical trials by Moderna in the US, aimed at assessing the efficacy of their vaccine in 12 -17 year olds, has confirmed that it gives 96% protection against the Covid-19 virus, without resulting in any serious side effects

Three thousand four hundred and twenty-one new infections were recorded, with eighty-three deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to ten thousand eight hundred and forty-seven
Nine of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 3,412 domestic cases, 1,589 were confirmed in Attica, 417 in Thessaloniki, 121 in Etoloakarnania, 78 in Larissa, 71 in Achaia, 60 in Boeotia, 59 in Magnesia, 52 in Ioannina, 49 in Evia, 42 in both Kozani and Evros, 41 in Serres, 37 in Xanthi, 33 in Corinth, 31 in Trikala, 27 in Kilkis, 25 in Fthiotida, 23 in Kavala, 22 in Ilia, 19 in Imathia, 16 in both Rodopi and Drama, 14 in both Pella and Arcadia, 13 in both Pieria and Karditsa, 12 in Argolida, 10 in Halkidiki, 9 in both Kastoria and Florina, 8 in both Messinia and Laconia, 7 in Thesprotia, 6 in both Fokida and Grevena, 4 in Preveza and 2 in Evritania

Regarding the islands, 122 cases were confirmed on Crete (56 in Heraklion, 42 in Chania and 12 in both Rethymnon and Lassithi), 43 on Corfu, 32 on Kalymnos, 15 in the Attica island, 12 on Lesbos, 8 on Kos, 6 on Kefalonia, 4 on Naxos and 4 in the Sporades, 3 on both Karpathos and Ikaria, 2 on each of the following, Chios, Paros and Zakynthos and 2 in Kea-Kythnos, 1 on each of the following, Rhodes, Samos, Lefkada and Thassos. Finally,143 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

A major study in Israel, published in the UK medical journal The Lancet, has confirmed that the efficacy of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is over 95%. However, the research also showed that the vaccine’s effectiveness is greatly reduced if the patient doesn’t receive the second dose
The Greek Minister of Health, Vassilis Kikilias, has stated that the government’s goal is to have all adult citizens vaccinated by the end of June, or beginning of July. He went on to implore all citizens to be vaccinated, for both their own health and others. To those still uncertain about vaccination, he suggested they should talk to those who had been vaccinated, as well as those who had lost loved ones to the virus

Wednesday, May 5 – The government has confirmed that this coming Saturday, May 8, organised beaches in Greece will reopen. The measures to be in place on beaches will be announced by Friday, May 7

wo thousand and ninety-three new infections were recorded, with ninety-six deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to ten thousand seven hundred and sixty-four

Six of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,087 domestic cases, 909 were confirmed in Attica, 247 in Thessaloniki, 80 in Etoloakarnania, 69 in Larissa, 60 in Achaia, 42 in Magnesia, 37 in Kozani, 31 in Ioannina, 24 in Fthiodita, 23 in Xanthi, 22 in Pieria, 21 in Trikala, 19 in both Pella and Evia, 17 in Evros, 16 in both Corinth and Imathia, 15 in Argolida, 13 in Kastoria, 12 in both Kavala and Arcadia, 11 in Boeotia, 10 in both Serres and Kilkis, 9 in each of the following, Karditsa, Ilia and Drama, 8 in Evritania, 7 in both Rodopi and Thesprotia, 5 in Laconia, 3 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Florina and Preveza, 2 in each of the following, Messinia, Grevena and Arta and 1 in Phocis

Regarding the islands, 74 cases were confirmed on Crete (41 in Heraklion, 19 in Chania, 10 in Rethymnon and 4 in Lassithi), 49 on Kalymnos, 15 in the Attica islands, 12 on Corfu, 10 on Rhodes, 8 on Kos, 5 on Mykonos, 4 on Lesbos, 3 on each of the following, Chios, Naxos and Lemnos, 2 on each of the following, Syros, Thassos and Zakynthos, 1 on each of the following, Tinos, Samos, Milos and Karpathos and 1 in Kea-Kythnos. Finally, 85 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The UK will be offering a third Covid-19 booster vaccination in the Autumn to citizens over 50 and those with underlying health conditions. The vaccination could be given in parallel with the annual flu vaccine. The UK government is already examining vaccines that are specifically modified to treat new variants

From today, the single dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson will be added to the existing vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna in Greece. It is expected that 300,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be delivered to Greece in May, with a further 960,000 doses in June

The Aegean island of Kalymnos entered a hard lockdown this morning, with only essential businesses allowed to open. Travel within the island is restricted and residents can only leave the island for exceptional reasons. A 24hr traffic ban and daily curfew from 18:00 until 06:00 is also in place. Only permanent residents and people with work related reasons are allowed to travel to the island, but will have to have the relevant documents and undergo a mandatory Covid-19 rapid test before boarding a ferry. The measures have been imposed as infections on the island have been consistently high and rising over the last month

Tuesday, May 4 – One thousand three hundred and eighty-seven new infections were recorded, with eighty-one deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to ten thousand six hundred and sixty-eight
Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,385 domestic cases, 555 were confirmed in Attica, 181 in Thessaloniki, 61 in Etoloakarnania, 36 in Larissa, 30 in Kozani, 25 in Boeotia, 24 in both Magnesia and Corinth, 19 in both Messinia and Evia, 18 in Achaia and Kilkis, 14 in Evros, 13 in both Pella and Xanthi, 12 in Ioannina, 10 in each of the following, Trikala, Karditsa, Kavala, Thesprotia and Drama, 9 in Laconia, 8 in both Kastoria and Arcadia, 7 in Argolida, 6 in each of the following, Fthiotida, Imathia and Grevena, 5 in both Florina and Rodopi, 4 in both Serres and Ilia, 3 in Pieria, 2 in each of the following, Halkidiki, Fokida and Preveza and 1 in Arta

Regarding the islands, 64 cases were confirmed on Crete (30 in Heraklion, 27 in Chania, 4 in Lassithi and 3 in Rethymnon), 49 on Kalymnos, 10 on Corfu, 9 on Ikaria, 8 in the Sporades, 7 on Rhodes, 5 on Karpathos, 4 on each of the following, Lesbos, Kos and Thassos, 3 on both Lemnos and Zakynthos, 2 on both Chios and Paros, 1 in the Attica islands and 1 on each of the following, Tinos, Samos, Mykonos and Naxos. Finally, 16 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

The next few weeks will see a gradual lifting of measures in Greece. Already announced is the opening of schools (excluding Kindergartens) on Monday, May 10, with strict protocols, including self-diagnostic tests twice a week for students, teachers and school employees. Then on Saturday, May 15, the country will open up to tourism and inter-regional travel and it is expected that the requirement to send an SMS to confirm the reason for travel will be rescinded

Today sees a 24hr strike of journalists’ unions in Greece, which will affect the publication of news reports in the country, including official Covid-19 information. We will endeavour to post as much news as is possible

Monday, May 3 – Two thousand one hundred and forty-six new infections were recorded in the previous 48hrs, with one hundred and thirty-four deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to ten thousand five hundred and eighty-seven

Nine of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 2,137 domestic cases, 1,016 were confirmed in Attica, 302 in Thessaloniki, 68 in Larissa, 61 in Etoloakarnania, 39 in Kozani, 35 in both Serres and Ioannina, 32 in Achaia, 28 in Xanthi, 26 in both Magnesia and Boeotia, 24 in both Kavala and Evia, 23 in Trikala, 22 in Rodopi, 20 in Pella, 18 in Corinth, 14 in each of the following, Imathia, Preveza and Kastoria, 12 in Evros, 11 in Arcadia,10 in Halkidiki, 9 in Kilkis, 8 in each of the following, Messinia, Ilia and Karditsa, 7 in each of the following, Fthiotida, Laconia and Drama, 6 in Arta, 5 in Thesprotia, 4 in both Grevena and Argolida, 2 in both Florina and Evritania, 1 in each of the following, Fokida, Pieria and Arcadia

Regarding the islands, 66 cases were confirmed on Crete (28 in Heraklion, 24 in Chania, 10 in Rethymnon and 4 in Lassithi), 31 on Kalymnos, 10 on Corfu, 7 on Kos, 6 in the Attica islands and 6 on Thassos, 3 on Samos, 2 on both Ikaria and Zakynthos, 1 each of the following, Rhodes, Chios, Lesbos, Naxos, Paros, Karpathos and Kefalonia. Finally, 43 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, stated today that there may be some easing of international travel from the UK after May 17. However, he added that the government “will be very, very tough on it’s approach”

The UK’s cross party parliamentary group on Coronavirus, which consists of 60 MPs and Peers, has confirmed that in their view the government should discourage people from travelling abroad unless it is essential, as airports are a “breeding ground” for the virus, with people arriving from red, amber and green listed countries often mixing in overcrowded arrival halls

Further information on the UK’s plans for international travel this summer is expected this week.

From today restaurants, cafes and bars can reopen again in Greece, but under strict conditions. These are:-

Allowed opening hours from 05:00 until 22:45. Premises have to close by 22:45, as curfew starts at 23:00

Service is exclusively seated and outdoors

A maximum of six people per table

Music is banned

Disinfectant is to be provided on all tables

Bar stools and tables should be placed at a distance

Tables, chairs and menus have to be disinfected each time customers vacate a table

Staff have to self-test twice weekly

Masks must be worn by staff as well as customers, except when eating or drinking

Gatherings, events and special occasions are banned

Restaurants in hotels can open, but purely for guests, although bars will continue to stay closed

Code 6 via SMS to go to restaurants and bars etc.

Fines will be imposed for non-observance of the measures

Sunday, May 2 – The following announcement has been released this evening by the Hellenic National Public Health Organisation: “We inform you that today, Easter Sunday, no epidemiological surveillance report will be posted.”

Therefore we are sorry, but no data will be available this evening. However, we hope that the official Covid-19 data will be released tomorrow as usual

Saturday, May 1 – One thousand three hundred and ninety-one new infections were recorded, with seventy-two deaths, raising the overall death toll in Greece to ten thousand four hundred and fifty-three

Two of the new cases were detected in visitors through checks at the border. Regarding the locations of the remaining 1,389 domestic cases, 640 were confirmed in Attica, 234 in Thessaloniki, 52 in Larissa, 40 in Achaia, 26 in Evia, 24 in Magnesia, 19 in Ioannina, 17 in each of the following, Fthiotida, Xanthi and Boeotia, 13 in both Trikala and Etoloakarnania, 11 in both Serres and Kozani, 10 in each of the following, Pieria, Pella and Imathia, 9 in each of the following, Rodopi, Kavala and Argolida, 7 in each of the following, Kilkis, Halkidiki and Corinth, 6 in both Florina and Evros, 5 in both Preveza and Drama, 4 in each of the following, Karditsa, Thesprotia and Arcadia, 3 in each of the following, Messinia, Laconia, Kastoria, Ilia and Evritania, 2 in Fokida and 1 in Arta

Regarding the islands, 60 cases were confirmed on Crete (35 in Heraklion, 17 in Chania, 5 in Lassithi, 3 in Rethymnon), 15 on Kalymnos, 7 in the Attica islands, 6 on both Lesbos and Thassos, 3 on Kos, 2 on Mykonos, 1 each of the following, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Zakynthos, Andros and 1 in the Sporades.

Finally, 20 cases are under investigation

(Those in bold are locations covered in our travel guides)

Research by Imperial College London has shown that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine protects against Covid mutations, with the two doses producing an overwhelming immune response. The research initially focused on a single dose, which they found gives broad protection, although weaker in people who had never been infected by the virus. For those who had previously had Covid, ‘enormous’ levels of immunity were achieved through the second dose, giving a person total safety from serious disease. The researchers believe that after the two full doses, all recipients will show a very high level of immunity to all strains of the virus

On Thursday, a daily record of 66,210 vaccinations were performed in Greece, raising the overall total of vaccinations to 3,076,875 (of which 943,798 have received both doses), with the government aiming to reach 100,000 vaccinations per day this month, via 1,500 vaccination centres across the country
Today, vaccination appointments can be made by the 45 to 49 age group. It is planned that the 18 to 29 age group will be able to confirm appointments in June, along with any adult who has not previously been vaccinated.

For up-to-date information on Coronavirus in Greece follow the official government website.