Coronavirus and Greece

[wwalsh]

Αριθμ. Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ. 30341
Imposition of the measure of temporary restriction of connections with abroad and the arrival of pleasure yachts up to 31.5.2020 15:00hrs to limit the spread of COVID-19.
ΦΕΚ B 1860/2020 15/05/.2020
Κοινή Υπουργική Απόφαση Δ1 α/Γ.Π.οικ. 30341/2020 - ΦΕΚ 1860/Β/15-5-2020

Article Two
1. Temporary restriction on arrival of private pleasure boats and professional tourist boats, regardless of flag, in the Greek Territory originating from any geographical destination of the foreign country, as well disembarking passengers of these vessels for precautionary reasons of public health from COVID-19.
2. If the vessels of par. 1 are without passengers and do not come from countries for which there are in force restrictive measures, their arrival is permitted exclusively at shipyards of mainland Greece, as evidenced by appropriate certificates from shipyard, and with the permission of the competent Port Authority after consent of the General Secretariat Civil Protection. For cruise ships the restrictive measures of par. 1 shall apply.
3. The restrictions of paragraph 1 hereof shall apply for the period from 15.5.2020 and time 15:00 until 31.5.2020 and time 15:00. Paragraph 2 applies from 18.5.2020 and time 06:00 until 31.5.2020 and time 15:00.

 

[Tony Cross]

Αριθμ. Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ. 30341
Imposition of the measure of temporary restriction of connections with abroad and the arrival of pleasure yachts up to 31.5.2020 15:00hrs to limit the spread of COVID-19.
ΦΕΚ B 1860/2020 15/05/.2020
Κοινή Υπουργική Απόφαση Δ1 α/Γ.Π.οικ. 30341/2020 - ΦΕΚ 1860/Β/15-5-2020

Article Two
1. Temporary restriction on arrival of private pleasure boats and professional tourist boats, regardless of flag, in the Greek Territory originating from any geographical destination of the foreign country, as well disembarking passengers of these vessels for precautionary reasons of public health from COVID-19.
2. If the vessels of par. 1 are without passengers and do not come from countries for which there are in force restrictive measures, their arrival is permitted exclusively at shipyards of mainland Greece, as evidenced by appropriate certificates from shipyard, and with the permission of the competent Port Authority after consent of the General Secretariat Civil Protection. For cruise ships the restrictive measures of par. 1 shall apply.
3. The restrictions of paragraph 1 hereof shall apply for the period from 15.5.2020 and time 15:00 until 31.5.2020 and time 15:00. Paragraph 2 applies from 18.5.2020 and time 06:00 until 31.5.2020 and time 15:00.

Thanks for this.

However, I do know of a yacht that in the last two weeks has come into Greece from the Red Sea. She stayed 48 hours at Ierapetra on the southern coast of Crete and is now in Messolongi, apparently without meeting with any problems and apparently with the blessing of the port authorities involved.

 

[Irish Rover]

We took a trip yesterday from Kuşadası through the Mycale Strait to Port St Paul [Tavsan Adasi] much of it through Greek waters. It felt so weird not to see any boats on the Greek side apart from one small cargo ship and a Greek coastguard cutter. Even Posidonio which usually has up to 20 yachts at anchor was completely deserted. We felt sad and very privileged. We were escorted for a while on the way back by a large school of dolphins.

 

[wwalsh]

ΦΕΚ B’ 1871/17.05.2020 Αριθμ. Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ. 30621
Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ. 30621/2020: Επιβολή του μέτρου της απαγόρευσης του απόπλου και κατάπλου ιδιωτικών πλοίων αναψυχής και επαγγελματικών τουριστικών πλοίων στην ελληνική Επικράτεια, προς περιορισμό της διάδοσης του κορωνοϊού COVID-19 για το χρονικό διάστημα από 18.5.2020 και ώρα 06:00 έως και 25.5.2020 και ώρα 06:00. | Forin.gr

Imposition of the measure of the prohibition of the departure and arrival of private pleasure boats and professional tourist ships in the Greek Territory, to limit the spread of the corona COVID-19 for the period from 18.5.2020 and 06:00 to 25.5.2020 and 06:00.

1. From Monday 18 May 2020 at 06:00 and until Monday 25 May 2020 at 06:00, it is prohibited, within the Greek Territory, the departure and arrival of any type of amateur boat, private pleasure boats and professional tourist boats. ships regardless of flag, for precautionary public health reasons, as reported in the 15.5.2020 recommendation of the National Commission for the Protection of Public Health against the corona COVID-19.

2. During the period referred to in paragraph 1, such vessels and vessels may move in the following cases:

(a) emergency and force majeure related to mechanical damage, damage, anarchy and other related matters related to the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment,
b) shifting and test voyages, in accordance with the current provisions and the orders of the relevant Port Authorities,
c) supply of ships and boats with fuel, water and supplies,
d) movement in / from shipyards for repair and execution of other related works. After the completion of the above works, it is allowed to sail for individual voyage without passengers, either to the port of mooring of the ship, or to another port of choice of the Master.
e) service exclusively for the purposes related to the security of critical energy infrastructures of the country. The present case concerns exclusively the commercial pleasure boats of law 4256/2014 (Α΄ 92) and

f) carrying out amateur fishing and swimming exclusively by private boats with a total length of up to twelve (12) meters under the following conditions:
i. of not approaching an island of the same or another Region of the port of departure and without staying overnight,
ii. the transport of fifty percent (50%) of the maximum number of passengers permitted and iii. of keeping a minimum distance of two (2) meters between the persons on board.



ΦΕΚ B’ 1870/17.05.2020 Αριθμ. Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ.30620
Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ.30620/2020: Επιβολή του μέτρου του προσωρινού περιορισμού συνδέσεων με τα νησιά προς περιορισμό της διασποράς του κορωνοϊού COVID-19 από τις 18.5.2020 και ώρα 06:00 έως και τις 25.5.2020 και ώρα 06:00. | Forin.gr

Imposition of the measure of temporary restriction of connections with the islands to limit the dispersion of the corona COVID-19 from 18.5.2020 and time 06:00 to 25.5.2020 and time 06:00.

Extends the prohibition of going to any island except Crete unless for work or special conditions.


In other news there are large amounts of phytoplankton at the bays probably due to the hot weather conditions.

Also the government is voting on a bill this week which is not COVID related and which will open the recreational diving in greece which was previously with many laws and restrictions due to antiquities etc.

 

[Tony Cross]

ΦΕΚ B’ 1871/17.05.2020 Αριθμ. Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ. 30621
Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ. 30621/2020: Επιβολή του μέτρου της απαγόρευσης του απόπλου και κατάπλου ιδιωτικών πλοίων αναψυχής και επαγγελματικών τουριστικών πλοίων στην ελληνική Επικράτεια, προς περιορισμό της διάδοσης του κορωνοϊού COVID-19 για το χρονικό διάστημα από 18.5.2020 και ώρα 06:00 έως και 25.5.2020 και ώρα 06:00. | Forin.gr

Imposition of the measure of the prohibition of the departure and arrival of private pleasure boats and professional tourist ships in the Greek Territory, to limit the spread of the corona COVID-19 for the period from 18.5.2020 and 06:00 to 25.5.2020 and 06:00.

1. From Monday 18 May 2020 at 06:00 and until Monday 25 May 2020 at 06:00, it is prohibited, within the Greek Territory, the departure and arrival of any type of amateur boat, private pleasure boats and professional tourist boats. ships regardless of flag, for precautionary public health reasons, as reported in the 15.5.2020 recommendation of the National Commission for the Protection of Public Health against the corona COVID-19.

2. During the period referred to in paragraph 1, such vessels and vessels may move in the following cases:

(a) emergency and force majeure related to mechanical damage, damage, anarchy and other related matters related to the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment,
b) shifting and test voyages, in accordance with the current provisions and the orders of the relevant Port Authorities,
c) supply of ships and boats with fuel, water and supplies,
d) movement in / from shipyards for repair and execution of other related works. After the completion of the above works, it is allowed to sail for individual voyage without passengers, either to the port of mooring of the ship, or to another port of choice of the Master.
e) service exclusively for the purposes related to the security of critical energy infrastructures of the country. The present case concerns exclusively the commercial pleasure boats of law 4256/2014 (Α΄ 92) and

f) carrying out amateur fishing and swimming exclusively by private boats with a total length of up to twelve (12) meters under the following conditions:
i. of not approaching an island of the same or another Region of the port of departure and without staying overnight,
ii. the transport of fifty percent (50%) of the maximum number of passengers permitted and iii. of keeping a minimum distance of two (2) meters between the persons on board.



ΦΕΚ B’ 1870/17.05.2020 Αριθμ. Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ.30620
Δ1α/Γ.Π.οικ.30620/2020: Επιβολή του μέτρου του προσωρινού περιορισμού συνδέσεων με τα νησιά προς περιορισμό της διασποράς του κορωνοϊού COVID-19 από τις 18.5.2020 και ώρα 06:00 έως και τις 25.5.2020 και ώρα 06:00. | Forin.gr

Imposition of the measure of temporary restriction of connections with the islands to limit the dispersion of the corona COVID-19 from 18.5.2020 and time 06:00 to 25.5.2020 and time 06:00.

Extends the prohibition of going to any island except Crete unless for work or special conditions.

What seems to be happening in one or two cases is that some local port authorities are being extremely flexible in their interpretation of the force majeure clause and what the terms '...safety of navigation...' and '...it is allowed to sail for individual voyage without passengers...' actually mean.

I do know that there are some yachts in the Red Sea who for various reasons are very keen to travel to Greece.

 

[Shaddickp]

This is on UK Gov Web site: ( Staying during coronavirus - Greece travel advice )

From 18 May, you may travel in mainland Greece and to Crete and Evia; but travel to all other islands is restricted. To purchase a ticket to travel to any other island, you will need to provide proof of permanent residence (via a tax certificate) on the island to which you wish to travel. It is obligatory to wear masks on all ferries, whose capacity is limited in order to facilitate social distancing. One-way travel from islands to the mainland is not restricted.
Cruise ships are banned from landing in Greek ports. From 18 May, private sailboats (and yachts) from outside Greece may land at Greek ports, subject to certain public health measures. All sailboats must be empty of passengers (excluding crew). Upon arrival, you must present to harbour authorities, who will require the completion of a health declaration, and mandatory testing (to be paid-for by the occupants of each vessel). Use of sailboats within Greece remains forbidden, except for vessels of 7 metres or less. Vessels of 7 metres or less may be used (including for open sea swimming), but should not approach islands; nor should you stay overnight on any sailboat.

The last sentence is a bit a bit troubling. I have not seen that before in any official guidance.

 

[Irish Rover]

I got this message to my phone 8 times yesterday while close to Samos
URGENT PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: DUE TO COVID-19 ALL TRAVELERS ARRIVING IN GREECE MUST SELF-ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AND OTHERS AT RISK.

 

[wwalsh]

This is on UK Gov Web site: ( Staying during coronavirus - Greece travel advice )

From 18 May, you may travel in mainland Greece and to Crete and Evia; but travel to all other islands is restricted. To purchase a ticket to travel to any other island, you will need to provide proof of permanent residence (via a tax certificate) on the island to which you wish to travel. It is obligatory to wear masks on all ferries, whose capacity is limited in order to facilitate social distancing. One-way travel from islands to the mainland is not restricted.
Cruise ships are banned from landing in Greek ports. From 18 May, private sailboats (and yachts) from outside Greece may land at Greek ports, subject to certain public health measures. All sailboats must be empty of passengers (excluding crew). Upon arrival, you must present to harbour authorities, who will require the completion of a health declaration, and mandatory testing (to be paid-for by the occupants of each vessel). Use of sailboats within Greece remains forbidden, except for vessels of 7 metres or less. Vessels of 7 metres or less may be used (including for open sea swimming), but should not approach islands; nor should you stay overnight on any sailboat.

The last sentence is a bit a bit troubling. I have not seen that before in any official guidance.

It was mentioned first in the previous legislation which permitted fishing and swimming for up to 7m length
and the latest legislation which permitted fishing and swimming for up to 12m length

f) carrying out amateur fishing and swimming exclusively by private boats with a total length of up to twelve (12) meters under the following conditions:
i. of not approaching an island of the same or another Region of the port of departure and without staying overnight,
ii. the transport of fifty percent (50%) of the maximum number of passengers permitted and iii. of keeping a minimum distance of two (2) meters between the persons on board.

 

[OldBawley]

So,correct me if I am wrong, I can now go sailing ( Towing a fishing line ) with my 11,5 m sailing boat ?

Bored of staying on the same anchor spot for the last month.

 

[De.windhoos]

So,correct me if I am wrong, I can now go sailing ( Towing a fishing line ) with my 11,5 m sailing boat ?

Bored of staying on the same anchor spot for the last month.

yes, theoretically, but you have to return to your anchorage by nightfall.
If I were you I would just varnish everything one more time and maybe chip some steel.

 

[nortada]

yes, theoretically, but you have to return to your anchorage by nightfall.
If I were you I would just varnish everything one more time and maybe chip some steel.

Wot do a runner - where?

Is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus an option?

 

[OldBawley]

I guess I am not going to be the guinea pig here. 7 yachts with people on board here in Poros, one fined ( see post above ) and nobody moving. One skyscraper type motorboat moved from its mooring to the town quay and back this morning, also allowed.

That one is a VIGP ( very important Greek person ) so he can do as he like.

I had chosen the anchoring spot for the lock down well, just one problem ( close to the town ) are the mosquitoes.

Last year this time we had 3 family's over for visit. We arranged apartments for all of them and put anti mosquito spray in the rooms because we know this area in May is horrible mosquito wise.

Must be something with the swimming pools and lawns because in the rest of the Poros sea lake there is no problem with mossys.

Our guests did not really listened to us, the morning after was a disaster. Up to 40 bites / kid.

 

[Chris_Robb]

A new Temporary restriction order announced.

In order to avoid and prevent spread of the Corona Virus, all departures and arrivals of recreational crafts, cruise ships of all flags will be curtailed between Monday 18th May till Monday 25th May. There are some exemptions mainly related to operational issues such replenishment of fuel , seeking refuge, etc, also for boats up to `12 meters provided that they do not overnight in port /marina other than the one they usually moor.

Purpose:

I think that the Authorities are trying to prevent a massive exodus of boats for the weekend which is a long holiday to celebrate the Greek Independence which is falling on the 25th May.





Best

 

[lask]

chris
You probably want to say March 25th

 

[Davy_S]

I think that the Authorities are trying to prevent a massive exodus of boats for the weekend which is a long holiday to celebrate the Greek Independence which is falling on the 25th May.

The 21 st of May is IONIAN day, celebrating the re-unification of the islands, local parades have been stopped.

 

[Chris_Robb]

The 21 st of May is IONIAN day, celebrating the re-unification of the islands, local parades have been stopped.

Yes, I had heard that there was no holiday.... perhaps it is in honour of the Ionion!

 

[Chris_Robb]

chris
You probably want to say March 25th

No. That's the explanation given by the guy who sent it to me. I therefore have no idea why they are shutting down in the days to the 25th may!

 

[wwalsh]

It is suggested that the following schedule will be announced this evening.

25 May - Free movement to islands.
01 Jun - 12 month hotels open.
01 Jun - Northern road borders open.
10 Jun - Seasonal hotels open.
15 Jun - Normal international flights to ATHens.
01 Jul - Normal international flights to other airports.

 

[Tony Cross]

It is suggested that the following schedule will be announced this evening.

25 May - Free movement to islands.
01 Jun - 12 month hotels open.
01 Jun - Northern road borders open.
10 Jun - Seasonal hotels open.
15 Jun - Normal international flights to ATHens.
01 Jul - Normal international flights to other airports.

It's wise to remember that all this is contingent on the infection rate remaining low (which so far it is - 4 in the last 24 hours and no deaths I believe). I wouldn't advise making plans and bookings etc. too far ahead just yet. It's rather 'watch this space'

 

[wwalsh]

also Aegean Airlines is asking for bailout