AN urgent warning has been issued to Irish holidaymakers over new Covid-19 restrictions in a popular hotspot as cases rise.
Cases of the infectious illness have surged across parts of Greece this week.
And Irish tourists are being warned about new mask restrictions.
The Metaxa Oncology Hospital in Piraeus announced on July 15 that they will betaking protective measures against the illness for the next 15 days.
And the popular travel destination is currently grappling with a major surge in Covid-19 cases due to a new highly contagious variant called FLiRT.
Expert in hygiene and epidemiology Professor Gikas Magiorkinis revealed that the new variant was first reported in Greece around two weeks ago.
And he said that despite the variant not being severe for most people, it has led to a noticeable uptick in infections and hospital admissions across the country.
Greek health bosses are now keeping a close eye on the variant.
The Association of Hospital Doctors’ Union of Athens and Pireaus (EINAP) president Matina Pagoni said: “It’s summer, we’re going on vacation, we never said that the Coronavirus was gone.
“The truth is that this year, compared to last year, the cases have nothing to do with it.
“There are many hospitalisations and deaths.
“21 – 22 death are too many. It will be until the end of July or so the flare-up.”
Matina also advised tourists with underlying health complications to take safety measures while in the country.
She added: “These groups should wear their masks when they go out in closed spaces and there is crowding.”
The director of Metaxa Hospital Sarantos Efstahopoulos have announced a series of protective measures to combat the spread of the illness.
This includes mandatory mask-wearing in all indoor areas, especially patient wards and also strict adherence to hygiene protocols such as hand washing.
The number of companions for each patient in the hospital is limited to two.
There is also now a 48-hour rapid test requirement that has been introduced for patients companions and all those visiting the hospital.
She added: “I am asking for the cooperation of the relevant departments and the departments for immediate implementation of the above-mentioned measures.”
EINAP has warned that the surge in cases of the illness is likely to continue until the end of July, leaving those vulnerable at greater risk for the summer.
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