03/07/2020
Just so you know...
As we are moving closer to opening this belated summer season to our wonderful British friends, please allow me to give you my (local ) outlook on what you will find upon your arrival on our beautiful and welcoming island. Zante has had less than 10 (total) covid-19 confirmed cases from the beginning of March. As you may already know, the Greek authorities were quick to react and by using scientifically backed measures in unison with people following the rules to a great extent managed to bring the virus under control. For this reason we must trust and follow the guidelines set in place to make our summer safe for everyone.
So here it is:
Once you land and go through the formalities at the airport you will continue to wear your mask in your chosen means of transport ( taxi, coach, mini van)till your ultimate arrival at your accommodation. You can then discard the mask as you are not obligated to wear one in the resorts(with the exception mentioned above). The fine for not wearing a mask in public transport is 150 euros for each passenger and the driver. So maybe you still won't be fined for not wearing a helmet on a bike or a seat belt but I wouldn't test the mask fine. Of course one may choose to wear a mask for personal safety reasons (in a Super Market for example) . Your accommodation will have introduced a covid-19 health and safety protocol to keep yourselves and the staff safe. You will be informed of it at your check in( which may be done at an outdoor reception area or virtually) so I won't go into it. Just know it covers the hotel premises from rooms to common areas (bar, restaurant, reception) to swimming pools(yes you are allowed to use it) by stressing sanitation, protection, and social distancing with the guidance of the trained staff.
In a similar way all local businesses have to adhere to a health and safety protocol adjusted to the nature of their activities. For example, sets of sunbeds on the beach (yes you are allowed to go in the sea)will be placed at a further distance than normal, staff in restaurants and bars will be wearing masks and there is a limit to 6 people per table( with the exception of families with their children). My friends, rest assured your holiday will be as wonderful as usual, the health protocols in place will be followed by the local businesses. You won't feel stressed or annoyed. The only differences you will see and feel are that there will be less people around and you won't be getting those customary big hugs and kisses from the locals. To compensate, you will be receiving our grateful smiles and legendary hospitality .
( Please don't ask me for health protocol details as I don't want to misinform you. I can only add that you will be asked to complete an online Passenger Locator Form at least 48 hours before your departure from the UK in order to facilitate your location whilst you are here in case there is a confirmed case on your flight and you need to be located and tested. I don't have the all the information on the testing procedure at the airport so better I don't confuse you.)
And one more thing, if for whatever reason you can't make it to Tsilivi this year, don't worry my friends, there's always next year. In the meantime keep the faith!
(I apologize for the length of this post)