Wearing a mask to fight against Covid-19 is no longer compulsory since Wednesday in most places in Greece and Cyprus.
The measure comes into effect when the high tourist season begins, which is very important for their economies.
In these two Mediterranean countries, wearing a mask remains only compulsory on public transport in cities, retirement homes and hospitals.
Situation re-examined in early September in Greece
The Cypriot government had already decided last week to lift all restrictions at airports.
Travelers to the island also no longer need to present a vaccination certificate or a PCR test.
Greece had announced for its part the suspension of health restrictions in mid-May before the opening of the tourist season, by virtue of “epidemiological data and the recommendations of experts”.
The authorities had however indicated that the precautions taken to stem the pandemic would be reviewed on September 1, after the summer season.
Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory in shops, banks, public services, airports or intercity buses, according to a directive from the Greek health authorities.
At school and university, it will remain compulsory for end-of-year exams.
Dependence on the tourism sector
In recent weeks, the number of deaths and cases of infection has gradually decreased in Greece.
The country has so far deplored 29,800 Covid deaths compared to 1,059 in Cyprus, which has around ten times fewer inhabitants.
Both countries are dependent on the tourism sector: it accounts for almost a quarter of the Greek gross domestic product (GDP), compared to around 15% for Cyprus.
Last year, the island had seen a 51% drop in its number of tourist arrivals compared to 2019, a record year which saw 3.97 million visitors.
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