GREECE ON VERGE OF LOCKDOWN AFTER SURGE IN CORONAVIRUS CASES AS BRITS SET TO ARRIVE

The Mirror 10 July 2020 - by Andy Rudd

© Getty Images The Greek government extended its ban on flights from the UK until July 15

Greece is on the brink of being put into lockdown again after a surge in coronavirus cases.

The spike in infections comes after the country reopened its borders to tourists on July 1.

There have been just 3,672 active cases of coronavirus in the country but since borders were reopened more than 100 tourists have tested positive.

Greece is set to welcome Brits from next week with UK flights arriving from July 15.

© Getty Images/National Geographic Magazines British holidaymakers hoping to travel to Greece will need to wait until July 1

But holidaymakers could find themselves in lockdown on arrival as Greek authorities consider re-enforcing public and travel restrictions from as early as Monday.

The local authorities say that safety guidance for the coronavirus is being frequently ignored and government spokesperson Stelios Petsas said that they were "determined to protect the majority from the frivolous few."

Inspections of bars and restaurants are to be stepped up with health officials becoming concerned over the number of “asymptomatic” cases among foreign travellers.

TUI announced today that they would be flying to Greece from July 25 as part of seven new destinations.

The UK's biggest tour operator also said it would pay for medical tests, flights and extended hotel stays for Brits if they catch coronavirus while on holiday.

Their Covid-19 Cover will be provided to every TUI traveller until 31st December 2020 and be used alongside usual travel insurance.

It will cover holidaymakers' overseas Covid-19 testing costs or repatriation if medically required and if customers are asked to self-isolate, it will cover the extended stay and a new return flight home.