GREECE has been placed onto the quarantine list by the Scottish government, while a number of Greek islands are on the quarantine list for England and Wales.
The country’s new daily cases have been rising in recent weeks, which includes the islands.
The Prime Minister was urged to enforce quarantine restrictions across the UK, after two TUI flights returning from the Greek islands to Cardiff were forced into isolation.
Grant Shapps has since announced quarantine restrictions for islands will be enforced instead of a country-wide travel ban.
The Transport Secretary said: “Our top priority has always been to keep domestic infection rates down, and today we’re taking the next step in our approach.
“Through the use of enhanced data we will now be able to pinpoint risk in some of the most popular islands, providing increased flexibility to add or remove them – distinct from the mainland – as infection rates change.
“This development will help boost the UK’s travel industry while continuing to maintain maximum protection to public health, keeping the travelling public safe.”
While cases in Greece remain low compared to other European destinations, figures have been steadily climbing, with 11,524 overall infections and 284 deaths.
The country reported the highest new daily cases since the crisis began on August 26, with 283 new infections.
Crete has seen 80 new cases in the past week, while Corfu has reported new cases every day.
Here is everything you need to know about holidays to Corfu and Crete.
For Wales and England, only Crete is on the quarantine list – Corfu remains on the safe list for travel, for now.
However, both islands are on the quarantine list for Scotland, with the restrictions covering all of Greece.
Countries with more than 20 new cases per 100,000 population during a seven day period are the most at risk of being put onto the quarantine list.
Greece’s new infections per 100,000 is currently at 13.1, according to Quash Quarantine spokesperson Paul Charles, compared to the UK’s 17.1.
Other islands facing restrictions are Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Santorini and Zante.
Greece is currently under the 20 mark, suggesting the rest of the country remains safe – although travel restrictions can change at the last minute.
Brits have been given less than 48 hours notice to return to the UK to avoid the quarantine, with the restrictions enforced from 4am on Wednesday.
If families come back after the date given by the UK government, then they will have to quarantine for two weeks on their return.
Greece may also then enforce similar restrictions for Brits on arrival, like France is likely to do – Spain has not, however, so whether they reciprocate has not been confirmed.
Holidays to the islands which have been put onto the ban list, are likely to be cancelled, with tour operators and airlines likely to stop flights and holidays.
This will mean they will offer a refund or credit note, while some airlines are allowing passengers to move their flights free of charge.
EasyJet and Ryanair have waived their flight change fees although you will need to pay the difference in flight costs.
Tour operators such as Jet2 and TUI are also likely to postpone package holidays – TUI has already stopped holidays to Zante resort Laganas.
Anyone entering Greece must fill in a Passenger Locator Form 24 hours before travelling, which will then send a QR code.
The QR code must be shown on arrival.
Greece is also undertaking random coronavirus tests at the airport, and anyone who tests positive will be forced to quarantine for two weeks in the country.
The islands have their own restrictions in place as well.
Since August 31, public events have been banned with only four people allowed per table at restaurants and cafes in Crete.
Face masks must also be worn in all public spaces, either open or closed.
Many of the islands, including Crete and Corfu, must follow a curfew with restaurants and bars closed between midnight and 7am.
