![EU Summit: Delta Mutation Alarm – Travel Restrictions if Cases Increase](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/aeroplane.jpg)
Europe has sounded the alarm for the coronavirus Delta mutation, which appears to have become a summer threat, raising additional concerns among tourism and travel professionals.
Having first hit India and neighboring countries hard, now the new mutation is beginning to spread to Europe.
Recently, it was tracked in Greece, a fact which led the scientists to hold an extraordinary meeting, with the participation of Epidemiology Professor Sotiris Tsiodras.
A series of preventive actions were put on the table to deal with a possible outbreak in the middle of summer.
The Delta Mutation at the Summit
In their conclusions on dealing with Covid-19, the 27 EU leaders at the Summit highlighted the need to continue vaccinations, but also to be vigilant about the emergence of new coronavirus mutations.
“The European Council welcomes the good progress made in vaccination and the overall improvement of the epidemiological situation, while stressing the need to continue vaccination efforts and to monitor developments, in particular the emergence and spread of variants,” the 27 said in a statement.
They also stress that “the agreements reached on the EU digital COVID certificate and the revision of the two Council recommendations on intra-EU travel and unnecessary travel to the EU will facilitate safe cross-border travel. “Member States will implement them in such a way as to ensure a full return to free movement, as soon as the state of public health permits.”
Germany, with the support of France, has directly warned EU member states that accept uncontrolled British citizens and citizens of other third countries where the Delta mutation is detected, that they may impose mandatory quarantine periods on their own citizens on return to their country. That is, the Mediterranean states would have to choose between British or German and French tourists.
The 27 leaders decided to impose travel restrictions on EU countries on two occasions: in the event of an increase in infections and in the event of dangerous COVID-19 mutations, the EU could decide to close the border to incoming travelers from third countries. These decisions, as noted in the text of the conclusions of the COVID-19 Summit, “will facilitate safe movement between EU countries.
What will happen to the British – Anxiety in Greece
For his part, British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has hinted that he will “liberalize” travel abroad only for those Britons who are fully vaccinated.
Of course, until then, the “traffic light” system will remain in force, putting in mandatory quarantine those travelers returning from Greece and other European destinations.
It is noted that yesterday Greece did not finally join Britain’s green list, in the last revision announced by the British government.
Given that the list is reviewed every three weeks, this means that July is lost, leaving August as the only summer month possibly “open” for holidays.
All of the above have caused great confusion and concern to tourism professionals, as fears are growing that travel demand will remain stagnant, as it did in 2020.
Greece, in any case, continues to aim for a significant increase in tourist flows (to 45% of the levels of 2019), expecting that bookings will rise sharply in July and especially in August and September. As long, of course, as there is no new outbreak of the coronavirus.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Greece’s Labor Market Trends; Job Vacancies Surge](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ot_tourismos_ergazom-600x352.png)
Greece’s Labor Market Trends; Job Vacancies Surge
According to the latest data job openings soared to a record high of 70,826 positions in the first quarter of 2024, marking a remarkable 115.6% annual increase.
![Eurostat: Inflation in Greece and Euro area at 2.5% in June](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/inflation-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Eurostat: Inflation in Greece and Euro area at 2.5% in June
Final figures on inflation for Greece came in slightly worse than the preliminary figure of 2.4%, released by ELSTAT at the start of July
![Greece Acts to Protect Consumers amid Soaring Electricity Prices](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/photo_2024-07-17_16-15-21-600x399.jpg)
Greece Acts to Protect Consumers amid Soaring Electricity Prices
Skylakakis outlined the government's initiatives but withheld specifics regarding the emergency tax and bill subsidies, which are slated for finalization by late July.
![Cruise Industry Opposes New EU Plan for Piraeus Port](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/396121953_881827319967534_9198009856198617419_n-1024x793-1024x793-1-1-600x465.jpg)
Cruise Industry Opposes New EU Plan for Piraeus Port
According to the Plan, cruise ship passengers will be transported by shuttle boats from Piraeus port to the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF), so that they can then travel to Athens
![Greek State to Reopen 3.875% Bond on Wed.](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bonds-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Greek State to Reopen 3.875% Bond on Wed.
Bond of 3.875% is set to mature on March 12, 2029
![Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/kalodio_elladas_cyprus_israil.jpeg)
Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable
The study concluded that the social benefits of the interconnection, totaling 8 billion euros, far outweigh its 1.9 billion euros construction cost, resulting in a net social benefit exceeding 6 billion euros.
![Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-16T110250Z_1107936467_RC2BW8AZP0U4_RTRMADP_5_EU-PARLIAMENT-2048x1366-1-600x400.jpg)
Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament
Her second term will be for a period of two and a half years
![ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/epixeiriseis_2-600x414.jpg)
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates