Greece reopens beach for public amid second wave of coronavirus

With widely spaced sun loungers and regular disinfection, Greece reopened its organised beaches on Saturday (May 8) as the popular Mediterranean holiday destination eases Covid-19 curbs in preparation for the return of foreign visitors next week.(Image Credit: Reuters)

With widely spaced sun loungers and regular disinfections, Greece reopened its organised beaches on Saturday (May 8) as the popular Mediterranean holiday destination eases Covid-19 curbs in preparation for the return of foreign visitors next week.

Tourism accounts for about a fifth of Greece's economy and jobs, and after the worst year on record for the industry last year, the country can ill afford another lost summer.

People are seen on the beach in Athens, Greece.

Under current measures, beach managers like Venieris 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.

A woman wearing a protective face mask walks among empty sunbeds during the official reopening of beaches to the public, following the easing of measures against the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), in Athens, Greece.

People enjoy the sun during the official reopening of beaches in Athens, Greece.

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.

People enjoy the sun during the official reopening of beaches to the public in Athens, Greece.

As infections have fallen and vaccinations gathered pace, authorities have steadily eased restrictions, opening bars and restaurants earlier this week.