Tourists brought more cases of COVID-19 to Greece, but there was no economic salvation

Compared to other European countries, Greece has faced the pandemic quite well. There are 19 COVID-19 related deaths per million population, compared to 670 in the UK, 580 in Italy, 462 in France and 561 in Sweden.

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In the first two weeks of July, around 530 new cases of infection were detected, more than half related to incoming visitors. That is more cases than throughout June, and almost double that in May, writes Politico.

“We all knew, both our scientists and our experts, that opening the borders would lead to an increase in coronavirus infections. But the economy and tourism must survive,” Greek Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias said last week.

There has been a sharp decline in travelers.

The Greek government began to open on June 15. She felt pressure from the tourism industry, fearful of spending the summer penniless.

“Unfortunately, we have to do this because the risk of coronavirus is probably less than the threat it poses to the economy.” We have to choose between coronavirus and starvation, “said Savvas Pagonakis, owner of the hotel in Rhodes, Politician.

So far, however, the impact on the economy is disappointing. According to S.Pagonakis, some hotels were initially reserved by 30%, but now this number has been cut in half.

“EasyJet started with six direct flights a week, now reduced to three,” he said.

According to local hotel owners, hotels are occupied by about a quarter. The number of air travelers arriving in Greece was reduced by 93%. – from 8.4 million last year to 588 thousand. this year.

S. Pagonakis believes that winter on the Greek islands will be difficult, because tourism also affects other sectors. For example, as the number of visitors decreases, farmers who serve local hotels cannot sell tomatoes and watermelons.

The government has already tightened some rules regarding entry into the country. With the number of infections growing daily in the Balkans, everyone who has crossed the Greek border on land since last week must have had a negative coronavirus test in the past 72 hours.

Controls on seasonal migrant workers have been strengthened, and local companies have been subject to stricter controls, especially on beaches. Local village festivals held in late July are prohibited.

Starting Saturday, supermarket staff and customers must wear face masks, and failure to comply with this rule can result in a fine of up to 150 euros. We recommend wearing masks on public transport and taxis.

“When we opened the borders, we weren’t expecting so many cases of the virus in the Balkans, so there were few infections there. This is further proof that things are very volatile,” said Alkis Vatopoulos, professor of microbiology at Politico.

“We also see that the public in the country no longer adheres so strictly to security rules,” he added.

The government says it is ready to reintroduce restrictions if necessary. According to Kikil, the ministers are preparing “Plan B with local closings, if necessary,” but the country cannot completely close again.

“No one should be locked inside. We must rejoice in our country. It’s nice. Its seas. We should go to the beach but avoid the crowds. This is a possible and necessary condition, which we must all respect, “said the Minister of Health.

A total of 4,077 coronavirus cases were detected in Greece.