Summer Holiday Alert: Covid-19 Cases on the Rise in Greece

Holidaymakers heading to Greece this summer are being warned of a significant increase in Covid-19 cases, particularly due to the new FLiRT variant. Over the past 20 days, health authorities in the Mediterranean country have seen a sharp rise in infections.

The National Public Health Organization of Greece, known as EODY, reported that from July 8 to 14, 669 new Covid patients were admitted to hospitals, marking a 44% increase in weekly admissions compared to the previous month.

In response to this alarming trend, some protective measures have been reintroduced. For instance, the Metaxa Oncology Hospital in Piraeus, an area near Athens, has re-implemented mask-wearing guidelines. They have also limited patients to just two visitors each, and visitors must undergo testing for the virus.

This week, authorities are distributing free Covid tests across Greece, making it easier for people to get checked. Vaccinated individuals can receive results for free, while unvaccinated individuals will need to pay.

The President of EINAP, Matina Pagoni, noted that although it’s summer and many are on vacation, Covid-19 has not disappeared. She highlighted that the current number of cases and hospitalizations this year is significantly higher than last year, and unfortunately, the country has recorded 26 Covid-related deaths within a single week.

In addition, the city of Thessaloniki has reported a rise in cases detected through sewage testing, indicating a broader spread of the virus. Bulgaria, which shares a border with Greece, has issued a warning to its citizens traveling to Greece, recommending strict adherence to preventive measures.

Dr. Mariyam Malik, an NHS and private GP, shared the concerns about the new FLiRT variant, which might evade immunity from past infections or vaccines. She emphasized that increased travel and crowded events could lead to faster spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization highlighted that Covid-19 continues to claim around 1,700 lives globally each week, urging vulnerable populations to get vaccinated.

With summer in full swing, health officials are particularly wary about the surge in cases as people move in and out of the country during the holiday season. Giorgios Patoulis, president of the Scientific Committee of the ISA, urged everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and others.