Nearly two months after going into two of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, Greece and Cyprus are slowly opening up again. Both countries took the decision to lock down early and are considered to have managed the spread of the Coronavirus well with low infection and mortality rates. Both countries also closed international borders and enforced obligatory quarantine measures for repatriated nationals.
From the beginning of May we have seen people starting to emerge from their homes and businesses begin to open up.
Of course, one of the main focuses is putting in place new safety measures and working practices in line with government and international regulations to ensure the safety of customers and staff. With airports due to start accepting international arrivals from “safe countries” and hotels opening up from 1st July we are currently waiting on both governments to issue their detailed guidelines but we are likely to see the following:
– International passengers will need to produce a health certificate prior to their departure
– Temperature checks at airports
– Mandatory wearing of masks at airports and on flights
– Contactless check-in procedures
– Increased disinfection at airports, on planes and of luggage
On arrival we expect:
– Temperature/ health checks
– Sanitiser points all over the airport
– Manadatory wearing of masks etc
– Disinfection of luggage
We are in close contact with our transport suppliers to put in place additional safety measures which will likely include:
– Drivers and staff to wear masks and gloves
– Sanitiser points at entrance to vehicles
– One way system for boarding and disembarking
– Further disinfection of luggage
– Decreased vehicle capacity, socially distanced seating
The WHO has published detailed guidelines for hotels with regards to staff training and protection, public areas, food preparation and service and conference capacity. We are waiting for the official instructions from both the Greek and Cypriot governments and have asked all our key hotel partners to provide us with their detailed action plans.
Whilst travelling will certainly be a different experience for some time to come, we feel confident in the steps being taken in our region and believe that our partners and guests will also feel reassured by the visible signs of extra measures.
Of course, we are also fortunate to enjoy fabulous warm weather right through till autumn and we will focus on offering events, experiences and even conferences in open spaces, more on this soon!
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