Mediterranean Observer
Greek Health Minister Vasilis Kikilias announced on Wednesday that all the necessary Covid-19 measures and provisions, including immediate access to medical services and emergency transport from remote regions and islands are in place to welcome travellers from abroad on May 15, when the country officially opens its borders.
Speaking during a media briefing on pandemic management, Kikilias referred to a health ministry action plan which includes among others emergency transport by land and sea and a higher number of medical professionals stationed at health facilities at popular tourist destinations across Greece. The streamlined plan is based on the knowhow gained from last year’s experience with tourism.
Kikilias went on to stress that the government’s Covid-19 committee would be monitoring the situation with particular emphasis on popular tourist destinations and assessing on a day-to-day basis the need for additional actions and measures.
“We will support our economy, we will support tourism, and in order to do that, public health rules must apply. People from abroad trust our country, invest in our country, and decide to travel to Greece. We will ensure that this is done safely, that it is done in an organized manner, that people can be happy, that they can go on vacation, and that Greeks can do the same,” he said.
In this direction, Kikilias referred to the successful rate of vaccination particularly among the younger generations, urged everyone to get the shot, and announced on Thursday that any adult wishing to be vaccinated can do so through to June 30. He said that the vaccination booking system was set to open on Wednesday for the 40-44 age group. Greece has so far carried out more than 3 million vaccinations.
With regard to the opening of cultural venues, Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias refrained from giving a specific date, noting that it was on the government’s priority list but hinged on the epidemiological developments and viral load.
