COVID-19: In hope to attract tourists, Greece reopens its beaches

Tourism accounts for about a fifth of Greece's economy and jobs but pandemic took a toll on it. Now, Greece has finally reopened its beaches on Saturday as the popular Mediterranean holiday destination eases COVID-19 curbs in preparation for the return of foreign visitors next week.

For Greek beach lovers, Saturday's reopening of the country's largest beaches was a chance to let off steam after months of lockdown.

Greece fared well in keeping the first wave of the pandemic under control last year but a resurgence in cases pushed health services to the limit and prompted authorities to impose a second lockdown in November.

As infections have fallen and vaccinations gathered pace, authorities have steadily eased restrictions removing lockdown.  

Under current measures, beach managers will have to place umbrellas at least four metres (13 feet), carry out regular disinfections and test beach bar employees and other staff for COVID-19 maintaining proper social distancing. 

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis assures that a combination of widespread testing, immunisation, and the fact that many activities would take place outdoors gave authorities confidence that tourists would be able to visit safely.

People say they have been longing for this for six months now, because most of them are winter swimmers and they've really missed it. Now, their wait has finally ended!