Will Greece be next? Fears holiday hotspot could be added to UK quarantine list as cases surge 

Will Greece be next? Fears holiday hotspot could be added to UK quarantine list as cases surge

  • It comes after scrambles home from Spain and France earlier this month
  • Local restrictions imposed in Mykonos, Halkidiki, Poros, Paros and Antiparos 
  • Weekly cases have increased by 72.3 percent in the last week
  • Infection rate of 13.4 per 100,000 remains below UK Government’s threshold

There were growing fears tonight that Greece could be next on Britain’s list of quarantine countries after Croatia and Austria were added last week.

It comes after scrambles home from Spain and France when the infection rate went above 20 per 100,000 – the government’s threshold – in those holiday destinations earlier this month.

New local restrictions have been put in place for Mykonos, Halkidiki, Poros, Paros and Antiparos, due to spiking infection rates.

Greece recorded its highest number of cases in a day on Tuesday, with 250 new infections.

Travellers wearing face masks against the spread of the new coronavirus, disembark from a ferry at the port of Piraeus, near Athens, Thursday

Weekly cases have increased by 72.3 percent in the last week, from 7.8 per 100,000 to 13.4 per 100,000. 

The FCO’s most recent advice says: ‘The Greek authorities are likely to impose local coronavirus-related restrictions in certain areas, if they perceive a heightened case-rate or other valid reason, in relation to that area.

‘You should monitor the situation regularly via media and other information sources, including your accommodation or travel provider.’ 

The latest rate is 14.1, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, meaning it is around the same level as Portugal, which was last week removed from the Government’s quarantine list after falling below the 20 per 100,000 threshold.

However, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the UK ‘won’t hesitate’ to impose travel restrictions and prospective holidaymakers are asked to keep updated on the latest FCO advice via the website. 

A couple enjoys the sunset on the deck of the ferry boat 'Nissos Mykonos', while sailing in the Aegean sea, Greece

A couple enjoys the sunset on the deck of the ferry boat ‘Nissos Mykonos’, while sailing in the Aegean sea, Greece

It comes as The Sun reported today that an England football international and two Premier League players had tested positive since returning from the Aegean this month.

The unnamed footballers, one a Three Lions ace and the other two Sheffield United players, tested positive last week and are now self-isolating.

The Premier League is resuming at the end of September, while England have Nations League games at the start of the month.

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