Over the past few weeks Greece’s new COVID-19 cases per day have been ranging from over 2000 to 3,500 during tourist season.

On Friday, Greece registered 2,854 new coronavirus infections and 2,472 in the last the 24 hours till midnight Saturday;  the total number of deaths reached 12,866.

With the country’s economy heavily reliant on tourism, Greece attempted to open its economy to visitors from abroad which resulted in an increase in infections.

Lack of proper COVID documentation at entry points and on the way to major holiday destinations, is pushing the government to place harsher restrictions and implement mandatory vaccinations for certain sectors.

During the last week alone, about 4,500 passengers were prevented from boarding on ferries while Mykonos island was placed on a curfew with a music ban on venues until 26 July after a spike in infections.

“The efforts for safe trips with ferries continue and will continue,” Yiannis Plakiotakis said.

On Thursday the parliament greenlighted mandatory vaccinations applicable to several sectors if necessary; said sectors are yet to be specified according to Deputy Health Minister Vassilis Kontozamanis.

At the moment vaccination is mandatory for all health care workers as well as nursing home staff.

Meanwhile, thousands rallied against mandatory vaccinations without masks in the country’s major cities as part of a global move against the jab.