First Move’s Julia Chatterley spoke to Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis on Tuesday.
Many countries are struggling with how to deal with tourism. Greece is brave about this.
Teoharis: Well yes. To a point. It is a complete system with five levels of protection for all. It’s not just about the vaccination, it’s about the test before you leave if you are not vaccinated. It’s about purposeful testing when you arrive and of course if you or your family are separate – if you are positive. These are protocols, masks, other things we are used to now. You have to keep social distance, etc.
If you were vaccinated with the Chinese vaccine, if you were vaccinated with the Russian vaccine, does it still qualify for admission?
Teoharis: Yes, it does qualify for access. This effectively means that you can skip the test before departure that you have to perform differently. This is the difference between vaccinated and non-vaccinated.
Although the vaccines have not been approved or approved in Europe, Greece says: “Look, is this good enough for us?”
Teoharis: This is good enough for the risk-based approach we follow. The risk-based approach is on an individual basis and not on a regional basis or on a country basis, so we weighed in with our doctors. Based on the advice of our health experts, the risk is minimal.
Greece is on fire here. Many nations struggle to decide how to break. Help us understand the rules that apply to tourists.
Teoharis: A tourist’s life is just as important to us as a citizen’s life. The same rules that apply [for Greek citizens] will apply to all. We do not discriminate at all. It is therefore important that people understand this. We hope that things will become more and more liberalized as vaccination programs around the world progress. Even if there are changes in the other direction, the changes will apply to everyone.
What will it be like as a tourist?
Teoharis: Well, let me say, by the 14th of May where we would have the formal opening of the tourism season, restaurants will be open, especially sections outside the restaurants. We have all the other sides open. People have to wear masks. This is not a normal summer. These restrictions still apply. You can still enjoy from the outside. You can step. You can enjoy the beach where you do not have to wear a mask. You can enjoy those things, but we still have to keep our distance. We still need to be careful about how we move.