Greece: Authorities make face masks compulsory in more public spaces from July 29 /update 28

Event

Greek authorities announced on Tuesday, July 28, that face masks will be mandatory in more indoor public spaces from Wednesday, July 29, following a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country. As well as being compulsory on public transport and in supermarkets, as of Wednesday the wearing of face masks will be compulsory in offices, retail shops, bakeries, food stores, and banks. According to Greek authorities, the country is not currently facing a second wave of the virus, but the restriction was introduced as a precautionary measure.

The Greek government introduced stricter border controls at its land borders for at least two weeks from July 21. The measures have been taken amid fears over an increase in COVID-19 cases in neighboring Balkan countries. Essential travel into Greece will only be permitted at the Kakavia, Krystallopigi, Evzoni, Promachonas, Nymfaia, and Kipi checkpoints. Greek citizens, those with residence permits, or holders of an Expatriate Identity Card will be required to complete a passenger locator form as well as an electronic advance notice form when crossing the border.

As of July 28, there have been 4,227 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, and 202 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

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Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.

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When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.

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If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.

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