Greece prolongs the confinement imposed since March 21 on overcrowded migrant camps by two weeks. The country wants to curb the spread of the coronavirus while actively preparing for a resumption of tourism essential for its economy.
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" Measures against the spread of the Covid-19 virus are extended for residents of reception and identification centers in the country " until June 21, announced the Official Journal.
The confinement of camps already extended twice
The government had imposed confinement on March 21 to migrant camps set up on the Aegean islands as well as those on the mainland. She then decided to have general confinement on March 23 which was maintained until May 4. The confinement of the camps had already been extended twice, on May 10 and then May 21, until June 7.
With 180 deaths from the coronavirus and 2,980 cases, Greece was less affected than its European partners by the pandemic. Among the migrants, no deaths from Covid-19 disease have been recorded and only a few dozen cases reported, according to the authorities.
More than 33,000 asylum seekers live in five camps on the Aegean islands, with a capacity for only 5,400 people, and some 70,000 in other facilities on the continent.
Eleonas camp. LOUISA GOULIAMAKI / AFP
Human rights organizations are concerned that the rights of migrants will be hampered by restrictions imposed to combat the coronavirus.
The announcement of the extension of the confinement of migrant camps comes just after the launch of a promotional campaign by the country to attract tourists.
" We are opening the doors and windows of Greece, gradually but with optimism, " assured Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday, presenting an advertising spot intended to attract tourists from around the world.
As of June 15, the two main airports in Athens and Thessaloniki are authorized to welcome visitors from around thirty countries, mainly from the European Union, the country's main customers. Regional airports are scheduled to open on July 1.
Random tests are planned for visitors. Those arriving from the regions most affected by the coronavirus, such as the Paris region in France or the most affected areas in Italy, will be subject to a quarantine of seven to 14 days.
Greece, whose economy relies heavily on tourism with 20% of GDP, is in desperate need of attracting visitors from around the world this year.