The implementation of the third phase of the government’s plan to lift restrictions introduced to halt the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus began on Monday, May 18, with free travel allowed between different regions on mainland Greece and on ferry services to Crete. 

Services to the other islands will begin, conditionally, on May 25.

Also on Monday, intercity buses and train services resumed. Parks, zoos and archaeological sites opened too, while religious services were allowed to resume on Sunday, although with limited numbers as congregations are required to observe strict social distancing rules.

Furthermore on Monday, a gradual resumption of domestic flights, which had until now been operating in limited numbers, also began.

According to the new safety rules, ferries are only allowed to sail with no more than 50 percent passenger capacity, or 55 percent if cabins are available.

Before boarding, passengers have their temperatures taken, while they are also required to complete a so-called “health status” questionnaire.

Ferry passengers are also obliged to keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between each other during boarding and disembarkation. They have to keep the same distance in all areas of the ship.

Only one person is allowed in each cabin, except in the case of disabled people and their helpers, or families comprising spouses or first-degree relatives. In the latter case, cabin capacity can be up to four people.

The use of masks by passengers and crew members is mandatory. There must also be an empty seat between each passenger.

Any passengers suspected of infection will be isolated in a special area on the ship and will be disembarked at the next port of call that has the necessary capacity to manage the case.

Meanwhile, authorities on Friday announced they were extending an expiring ban on passenger flights to and from Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands until May 31.

Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said the country was also extending a temporary ban on flights to and from Albania and North Macedonia until June 14. Furthermore, no flights will be allowed from Turkey until at least June 14.

Hardalias also said a temporary entry ban on non-EU citizens has been extended until May 31.

This article was originally published on ekathimerini.com.