Greece has recently made the announcement that it would no longer mandate that passengers on airplanes and individuals inside buildings wear face masks. This is the most recent move the government is making to relax some of the restrictions that have been in place in preparation for the summer holiday.
In restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centers, and bars, as well as on all aspects of public transportation with numbered seats, including intercity trains and KTEL buses, face coverings will no longer be needed as of the 1st of June. This change will take effect immediately.
Caution is still warranted, however, since the use of a face mask will continue to be obligatory for some modes of public transportation in metropolitan areas and even on boats that go to the islands.
However, this may also be subject to change when a special COVID-19 committee convenes the following week to deliberate on whether or not rules requiring the wearing of face masks in public places like schools and universities should continue to be enforced.
The last two months have been quite eventful for Greek authorities. In the beginning of March, the government did away with regulations that required people to wear face masks when outside; nevertheless, the inside prohibitions are still being strictly enforced in many regions of the country, despite an increase in the number of visitors during the Easter holiday.
Thanos Plevris, the country’s Minister of Health, made the comment yesterday that it was an essential step toward normalcy, but he emphasized that individuals have the freedom to decide for themselves whether or not they want to keep wearing masks in the event that they feel more comfortable doing so.
According to what he said on SKAI television, “abolishing the required wearing of facemasks implies that the administrative punishment would not be levied.” [Citation needed] “However, we do not intend to change our recommendation that masks continue to be worn in all of these settings, particularly by persons who are vulnerable.”
Since May 1, travelers are no longer required to provide evidence of having been vaccinated against COVID-19, a negative test result, or a certificate of recovery. They are also exempt from the dreaded need of filling out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
Those individuals who have avoided traveling as a result of face mask restrictions that are in place on airplanes, in museums, and in restaurants will likely find the further elimination of facial coverings to be a welcome development. We are, step by painstaking step, making our way back to normal.
It would appear that the only drawback to taking a vacation in a popular destination such as Greece this summer is the possibility of experiencing delays at airports located across the continent. This is in addition to the passport problems that have plagued tourists from the United Kingdom throughout the year.