Greece reopened its organized beaches on Saturday as the popular Mediterranean holiday destination eases Covid-19 curbs in preparation for the return of foreign visitors next week.
Under current measures, beach managers will have to place umbrellas at least four meters (13 feet), carry out regular disinfection, and test beach bar employees and other staff for Covid-19.
On Friday, they announced that museums would reopen next week before the lifting of travel restrictions on vaccinated foreign visitors on May 15.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said a combination of widespread testing, immunization, and the fact that many activities would take place outdoors gave authorities confidence that tourists would be able to visit safely.
Venues such as Athens’ Acropolis museum, housing archaeological treasures found near the ancient citadel overlooking the city, have been closed since mid-November when a second lockdown was imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
As infections have fallen and vaccinations gathered pace, authorities have steadily eased restrictions, opening bars and restaurants earlier this week.
Open-air cinemas will resume on May 21 while open-air performances on May 28. Primary schools will open on May 10 and daycare centers on May 17.
The government started easing restrictions late last month after a small reduction in Covid-19 cases.
Tourism accounts for about a fifth of Greece’s economy and jobs, and – after the worst year on record for the industry last year – the country can ill afford another lost summer.
A country of 11 million, it has reported a total of 358,116 infections and 10,910 deaths. On Friday, it reported 2,691 new infections and 63 deaths.
