The Greek government on Tuesday announced another clampdown aimed to prevent a surge of coronavirus cases, as the country faces a possible rapid outbreak of the Delta variant and what appears to be unwillingness by a large minority in the country to get vaccinated.
Specifically, the top civil defense official said that as of Thursday all food-&-beverage establishments, and especially night clubs, will operate exclusively with seated customers. The measure aims to stop clubs and beach bars overflowing with standing patrons, mostly young people, with a good portion considered as not having received at least one of four Covid-19 vaccines available in the country.
The measure will be accompanied by fines and at least a one-week closure for the first confirmed violation; a third violation ascertained at a business is accompanied by suspension of the latter’s operating license.
Even more ominously, and in an unprecedented measure, after a relevant ministerial decision is issued in the coming days authorities will have the ability to impose sanctions even after the fact, based on material derived from social media, posted videos and even complaints.
“With the first violation (ascertained), a business will be shut down (for a week, by authorities),” Deputy Civil Defense Minister Nikos Hardalias said.
While related daily deaths in the east Mediterranean country are now in the single digits and intubated Covid-19 patients in all ICUs are under 200, the number of single-day new instances of the virus more than doubled over the past week, rising to nearly 1,800 on Tuesday.
Hardalias “sounded the alarm” on Tuesday, warning that people without a vaccination now risk contracting the Delta variant, which is considered a more dangerous strain of the coronavirus.
He also said new cases of Covid-19 are affecting younger age groups, with the average age now in Greece being 27. “Since last Monday we’ve recorded a dramatic rise in the number of new cases, which have nearly tripled,” he said.
Latest News
JP Morgan Revised Greece Outlook to ‘Overweight’
The investment bank notes that Greece is showing the strongest GDP growth in the Eurozone. Additionally, efforts to clear up bank balance sheets are anticipated to yield increased capital returns.
Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, Greek Tycoon and Shipping Magnate, Dies at 91
In 1990, Vardinogiannis was targeted in an attack which involved three rockets fired at his vehicle by the terrorist organization 17 November.
Kudos for Greek Sheep’s Milk Cheeses
Graviera is the Greek version of the Swiss gruyère, and is generally considered the second most popular cheese made in the country after feta
EIB Survey: Greeks Rank Climate Change as Top Concern After Cost of Living
Specifically, 98% of the Greeks surveyed stated that the country must to adapt to climate change, with 60% saying that priority should be given to these adjustment measures
Trump Tells Putin not to Escalate Ukraine War during Phone Convo
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, is preparing to lobby Trump against abandoning U.S. support for Kyiv
Former Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris Dies at 82
Boutaris entered politics in 2010, serving as the 60th mayor of Thessaloniki for two consecutive terms until 2019, becoming a transformative figure with his progressive policies.
Greece Plans to Link Golden Visa to Startup Investments
The Greek government wants to decouple the Golden Visa Program from Real Estate investments
Greece Honored Country at World Travel Market (WTM) 2024
Greece held a prominent position within the exhibition space, with its main entrance adorned digitally in Greek colors.
Inflation in Greece Down to 2.4% in October, ELSTAT says
On a year-to-year basis, the average inflation in Greece from November 2023 to October 2024 increased by 2.9%, compared to a 4.2% rise during the same period the previous year
First-Ever Pop-Up American Space at a Sports Venue Opens at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium
The new Pop-Up American Space was inaugurated at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium by US Amb. George J. Tsunis, Olympiacos FC President Evangelos Marinakis and the Mayor of Piraeus, Yannis Moralis