Organized beaches in Greece will reopen on Saturday, May 16, authorities announced on Wednesday, following meteorological and Covid-19 pandemic data, including the recommendation of the Infectious Diseases Committee at the Health Ministry.
Businesses running beaches, renting out sun umbrellas and sunbeds will be open as of 08:00 on Saturday, under restrictions. These include recording the number of bathers present (max. 40 people per 1,000 sqm), distances between umbrellas (min. 4 meters), and restrictions on the number of sunbeds per umbrella (two, except for families with minors). Bathers will also be obliged to lie on their beach towels rather than the bed itself.
Facilities will only sell pre-packaged goods, while refreshment stands, coffee shops and the like will operate as take-aways, not allowing seating. The sale of alcoholic beverages is banned, and delivery will not be allowed in the area. Customers must keep a distance of 1.5 meters from one another while ordering. All group contact sports at beaches are also banned.

Police explanation

The Greek police (ELAS) clarified on Wednesday that its increased patrolling did not mean it was monitoring the public over coronavirus-related restrictions.
Responding to charges that the police will be monitoring beaches and squares over the weekend especially, ELAS spokesman Theodoros Chronopoulos said its presence related to the prevention and suppression of crime alone, while observing restrictions was the public's responsibility.
"Our fellow citizens have behaved in a model way," the spokesman said, "and Hellenic Police is not policing citizens' activities in any way. Whether at squares or beaches, the police's sole responsibility is to prevent and suppress crime. Concerning Covid-19, it collaborates and acts supportively and in an advisory manner whenever necessary, whether by loudspeaker or through discussion."

See also:

Health Ministry reports 16 new Covid-19 cases; contact tracing continues in Larissa, Lesvos