Health Alert

Health Alert – U.S. Mission Greece, January 7, 2021

Location: Greece

Event: COVID-19 Update: Restrictions, Vaccinations, Economic Impact Payments

COVID-19 Restrictions in Greece:

The Greek authorities have extended lockdown measures through January 11, 2021 to combat the spread of COVID-19. These measures include 24-hour movement restrictions, mandatory PCR tests in advance of travel and preventive quarantines for travelers arriving from abroad, nighttime curfews, suspension of many business and entertainment operations, restrictions on travel between regions, prohibition of gatherings, and restriction of restaurant operations to delivery/carry-out only. These restrictions are outlined on the Greek Civil Protection website and described on the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page. Additional restrictive measures may be imposed in areas with more severe COVID-19 outbreaks with little or no advance notice.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

The Greek government has begun vaccinating individuals according to the plan and procedures outlined at emvolio.gov.gr. The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Private U.S. citizens in Greece should follow the Greek government’s developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, as they become available. The Greek Ministry of Health is working on COVID-19 vaccination guidelines for people residing in Greece that do not have AMKA (Greek public health care coverage). Once finalized, the information will be uploaded on the Greek Government webpage at https://emvolio.gov.gr/.

COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment Information:

The U.S. Treasury is now delivering a second round of payments. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for administering the COVID-19 economic impact payments. All information regarding the economic impact payments, including who is eligible and how payment will be disbursed, is on the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments. The U.S. Embassy’s website contains additional answers and links relating to the COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments and tax questions for the IRS in general. The Embassy does not have an IRS representative; any inquiries should be directed to the IRS directly.

Actions to Take:

For full details, visit the COVID-19 page on our website.
If you develop fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or cough, stay indoors and immediately seek medical attention by contacting the National Public Health Organization by dialing 1135.
Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before any international travel.
Read the country information page for Greece.

Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Monitor local media for breaking news and adjust your plans accordingly.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter..
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.