This is how the Greeks go to the beach (a clue of what will happen in Spain)
Greece opened five hundred beaches to the bathroom last Saturday, and in the coming days it will do the same with the Acropolis and the islands
Greeks flocked to the coast on Saturday with the reopening of more than 500 beaches , as the country tries to walk the fine line that separates the protection of people from Covid-19 and the reactivation of a tourism sector of which many they depend for their subsistence.
For many people, it was their first foray into a large public place since Greece began easing confinement measures earlier this month, and it also coincided with the first heat wave of the year.
Those eager to sunbathe were required to abide by the rules of distancing , which even stipulated how far umbrellas should be kept separate from each other.
For every 1,000 square meters no more than 40 people were allowed, while the umbrella poles had to be separated by four meters , with the awnings of the same at least one meter, according to a manual published by the government, completed with a diagram.
At Alimos , a popular beach south of Athens, people were queuing early in the morning to get their spot in the sun.
"This is the best for us elderly people ... to come and relax a little after being locked up," said Yannis Tentomas, 70, as he settled under an umbrella.
On a neighboring beach, a drone hummed over loungers with loudspeakers urging people to keep a safe distance.
The lifting of the confinement occurs when different countries in Europe and the world seek to ease the restrictions imposed to stop the pandemic and resurrect their economies.
Starting on May 4, Greece began a gradual easing of the lockdown that had been in place since mid-March.
Reopening of the Acropolis and islands
Following the reopening of the beaches, Greece will allow mass attendance from May 17, while archaeological sites, including the Acropolis , will reopen to visitors on May 18. From Monday, travel through mainland Greece and Crete will also be allowed, and from May 25 to the islands.
"This is a crucial point in our efforts and we must succeed," said Nikos Hardalias, Greece's Deputy Minister of Civil Protection.
Greece, with 11 million inhabitants, is one of the most dependent in Europe on tourism, which generates around a fifth of its economic output.
Tourism officials say they expect to receive foreign travelers in July .
Authorities expect a 5-10% decline in economic output this year, before recovering in 2021.
