Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a popular Greek island destination in the Ionian Sea. It is famous for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife and rich cultural heritage. However, due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in Greece, Zakynthos and some other regions have been placed under strict coronavirus restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. If you are planning to visit Zakynthos or you are already there, here is what you need to know about the current situation and the measures in place.
Current COVID-19 situation in Zakynthos
As of August 12, 2021, Greece has recorded a total of 528,474 cases of COVID-19 and 13,422 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. The country is experiencing a fourth wave of infections driven by the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus. The average age of those who test positive for the virus in Greece is 40.
Zakynthos is one of the regions that have been hit hard by the recent outbreak. According to the latest data from the National Public Health Organization (EODY), Zakynthos has reported 1,124 cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths as of August 11, 2021. The island has a population of about 40,000 people.
The Greek government has classified Zakynthos as a high-risk area (level 4) on its epidemiological map, which means that it has more than 200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days. The map is updated every week based on the data from EODY and the recommendations from the Committee of Infectious Diseases Experts.
Current COVID-19 restrictions in Zakynthos
In response to the worsening situation in Zakynthos and some other regions, such as Chania on Crete and Heraklion on Crete, the Greek government has imposed new, much stricter emergency measures to contain the virus. These measures will be in effect until August 18 at 6:00 AM local time, when officials will determine if they will be extended again or not.
The current COVID-19 restrictions in Zakynthos are as follows:
- A nighttime curfew is in place from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM. During this time, all people on the island, including residents and visitors, are barred from leaving their houses or rooms, except for work or medical reasons.
- Music is banned in every public venue on the island, including cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Organized private events, such as parties with more than 20 people in private venues, are also banned. This applies to the entire country, not just Zakynthos. The administrative fine for violating this rule ranges from 50,000 to 200,000 euros.
- All public gatherings of more than nine people are prohibited.
- All restaurants, cafes and bars must operate with a maximum capacity of 50% indoors and outdoors. Only seated customers are allowed and there must be at least one meter distance between tables.
- All customers and staff must wear face masks at all times, except when eating or drinking.
- All customers must show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before entering any indoor space of restaurants, cafes and bars.
- All cinemas, theaters and cultural venues must operate with a maximum capacity of 75% indoors and outdoors. Only seated spectators are allowed and there must be at least one seat distance between them.
- All spectators must show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before entering any indoor space of cinemas, theaters and cultural venues.
- All museums and archaeological sites must operate with a maximum capacity of 50% indoors and outdoors. All visitors and staff must wear face masks at all times.
- All retail stores must operate with a maximum capacity of one customer per 10 square meters indoors and outdoors. All customers and staff must wear face masks at all times.
- All public transport must operate with a maximum capacity of 65% indoors and outdoors. All passengers and staff must wear face masks at all times.
- All taxis and private cars must carry a maximum of three passengers, excluding the driver. All passengers and drivers must wear face masks at all times.
- All hotels and accommodation facilities must operate with a maximum capacity of 85%. All guests and staff must wear face masks in common areas.
- All guests must show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before checking in.
- All guests must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) online at least 24 hours before arrival.
Current requirements for entry and exit
If you are traveling to Zakynthos from abroad, you must follow the general requirements for entry to Greece, which are as follows:
- You must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) online at least 24 hours before arrival. You will receive a QR code that you must show upon arrival.
- You must show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before arrival. Children under 12 years old are exempt from testing.
- You may be subject to random testing upon arrival. If you test positive, you will have to quarantine for 10 days at a designated hotel provided by the Greek authorities. The cost of accommodation and medical care will be covered by the Greek state.
- You must follow the local COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines during your stay.
If you are traveling from Zakynthos to another region in Greece, you must follow the inter-regional travel requirements, which are as follows:
- You must show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure. Children under 12 years old are exempt from testing.
- You must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) online at least 24 hours before departure. You will receive a QR code that you must show upon departure.
- You must follow the local COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines at your destination.
If you are traveling from Zakynthos to another country, you must follow the exit requirements of Greece and the entry requirements of your destination country, which may vary depending on your nationality, vaccination status and travel history. You can check the latest information on the official websites of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant authorities of your destination country.
Conclusion
Zakynthos is currently under strict COVID-19 restrictions due to the high number of cases on the island. If you are visiting Zakynthos or you are already there, you must comply with the measures in place and be prepared for possible changes. You must also follow the requirements for entry and exit to and from Zakynthos, depending on where you are coming from or going to. The situation is evolving rapidly, so it is advisable to stay informed and updated on the latest developments and guidelines from the official sources.
Stay safe and enjoy your trip!
References
| Index | Title | URL |
| 1 | Greece Imposes New Coronavirus Restrictions on Zakynthos, Chania | https://greekreporter.com/2021/08/05/new-restrictions-zakynthos-chania/ |
| 2 | Coronavirus Restrictions Extended in Zakynthos and Chania | https://greekreporter.com/2021/08/12/coronavirus-restrictions-extended-in-zakynthos-and-chania/ |
| 3 | Strict Covid-19 Measures Imposed on Zakynthos and Chania – GTP Headlines | https://news.gtp.gr/2021/08/05/strict-covid-19-measures-imposed-on-zakynthos-and-chania/ |
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