Shipping Minister Inspects Covid-19 Measures at Ports of Argosaronic Islands

Greek Shipping and Island Policy Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis on Thursday visited the ports of the Argosaronic islands and inspected the measures being implemented to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

The minister began his tour from the island of Aegina and then continued on to Poros, Hydra and Spetses.

Plakiotakis inspected the ports of each island, observed and collected details about the measures being implemented and met with representatives of local port authorities and municipalities.

“Our priority at the Shipping Ministry is to ensure – to the maximum extent – the health of all inhabitants and visitors of our islands, but also of the passengers and crews of the ferries,” the minister said from the port of Spetses.

“Daily, coast guard staff members are everywhere, in ports and ships, checking the observance of the necessary protection measures… We are aware that some measures are unpleasant, but they are absolutely necessary,” he said.

Currently, restaurants, bars and clubs on the Argosaronic islands have a curfew and close at midnight through to 7am. The measure is in force until August 24

Minister Plakiotakis on Monday chaired a meeting with regional authorities and the Hellenic Coast Guard and emphasised the need for strict observance of the Covid-19 measures on behalf of holidaymakers returning by ferry from vacationing on the islands.

According to the coast guard, checks continue normally on ferries during the boarding and disembarkation of passengers, while inspections are also carried out during journeys.

The coast guard informed the minister that thousands of inspections have been carried out to date, while more than 650 fines have been handed out to violators of the Covid-19 rules on ferries.

The Greek government since early August has tightened measures on board ferries after a spike in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Moreover, the Region of Attica recently stationed medical teams at the port of Piraeus (Gate E1) to carry out random coronavirus tests to travelers returning to Athens as part of efforts to curb the spread of the virus.