UK Tourists Warned as Greece Battles Surge in COVID-19 Cases
British holidaymakers heading to Greece are being hit with urgent warnings. A new COVID-19 variant called FLiRT is behind a spike in cases. Greek health officials have reported a sharp rise in hospital admissions and are reimposing safety rules, including mandatory masks in Athens hospitals.
Hospital Numbers Soar Amid New Variant
Between July 8 and 14, Greece saw 669 COVID-related hospital admissions—up from a weekly average of 464 in previous weeks. Deaths have also climbed, with 26 fatalities, compared to 17 before. This surge dwarfs last year’s figures, raising alarms across the nation.
Health Experts Sound the Alarm
Matina Pagoni, President of the Athens and Piraeus Hospital Doctors’ Association, told Greek TV channel MEGA: “It’s summer, we’re going on vacation, but the coronavirus is not gone. Compared to last year, cases have skyrocketed. Hospitalisations and deaths are far too many—21-22 deaths are unacceptable.”
Hospitals like Metaxa Oncology in Piraeus have reinstated COVID restrictions amid growing concerns. Reported infections jumped 44%, forcing a crackdown on precautionary measures in healthcare facilities.
Broader Spread and International Warnings
Wastewater tests reveal COVID presence in 7 out of 10 regions checked, hinting at wider community spread beyond hospital data. Bulgaria has already warned its citizens travelling to Greece to take strict prevention steps.
The World Health Organization also stresses ongoing risks. Despite vaccine availability, uptake among the elderly and healthcare workers has dropped, contributing to an average of 1,700 weekly COVID deaths worldwide.
Travellers to Greece are urged to stay vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and protect themselves against this fresh wave of infection.
