Travelers returning from holidays tested at Greek ports as COVID-19 cases surge

PIRAEUS, Greece, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Teams of Greek medics and volunteers have been offering holidaymakers returning to Attica at the ports of Piraeus and Rafina free, randomized COVID-19 tests and informative leaflets this week as COVID-19 cases surge.

Following a surge in infections lately and increased epidemiological load on a few popular islands, authorities have stepped up measures to contain the spread of the virus with a focus on the region that hosts half of the country's population.

Greece's National Public Health Organization (EODY) announced on Thursday 269 new novel coronavirus infections within 24 hours.

A total of 7,934 cases have been diagnosed in the country so far since late February, and fatalities stand at 235, EODY noted.

Officials reiterated lately that according to the official data, 8 in 10 cases were domestic and not linked to the arrival of tourists this summer.

Out of 332,934 tests conducted at 31 entry points from July 1 to Aug. 18, only 725 travelers, or 0.2 percent, were found positive, EODY noted.

The average age of new cases has dropped from 48.6 years old in March to 36.2 years old in August. Starting from this week the government has taken more restrictive measures on young partygoers.

In destinations like Mykonos island and Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece, all parties and festivals are suspended until Aug. 31. In Attica and the islands of the Saronic Gulf and Kythira, bars and restaurants will be closing at midnight until at least Aug. 24.

Of the 13,000 or so diagnostic tests conducted nationwide per day, hundreds are now carried out at Piraeus and Rafina.

The tests were conducted by the Region of Attica and the Athens Medical Association with the help of port authorities, the region's public health directorate and volunteers, as the bulk of holidaymakers are expected to be returning from the islands till the end of August, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

From the start of the epidemic in Greece, Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) S.A., which is controlled by China's COSCO SHIPPING group, has taken a series of protection measures to ensure the health of its employees, clients. The company has also donated sanitary supplies to the Hellenic Coast Guard, a local hospital and many municipalities surrounding Greece's largest port.