PM says tourism to open from May 15, announces loosening of restrictions
Greece should be able to open up for tourists from May 15, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed on Wednesday, saying the coronavirus pandemic was showing signs of stabilising helped by the rollout of vaccines.
“The vaccines, the self-tests and the better weather make us confident that this unprecedented adventure is ending,” Mitsotakis said in a special television address.
However he said case rates were still high and people should not travel over the Orthodox Eastern weekend, which begins on April 30.
“I have said that our aim is for a safe Easter, and a free summer,” he said.
He also inform Greeks of the roadmap for the gradual easing of coronavirus measures, announcing the reopening of cafes and restaurants for open-air dining on May 3 (one day after Orthodox Easter), with distanced tables and employee self-testing. May 3 will also see the nightly curfew move back by two hours to 11 p.m. to accommodate this opening.
On May 10, the country’s middle and elementary schools will re-open with the self-tests for both students, and school staff.
Mitsotakis also announced that the platform for booking vaccinations will open to everyone over 30 next week, stressing the importance of the vaccine as a barrier against the virus and an ally in the struggle for a return to normalcy.
“I will invite you, once more, I beseech you, shield your health with this great gift bestowed by science. Danger does not lurk with the vaccine. It lurks in sickness and pain. The numbers show that an accident on the road is more likely than a vaccine complication,” he said.
[Reuters, Kathimerini]
