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The first case in Greece was confirmed on 26 February 2020, when a 38-year-old woman from Thessaloniki who had recently visited Νorthern Italy, was confirmed to be infected. Subsequent cases in late February and early March related to people who had travelled to Italy and a group of pilgrims who had travelled to Israel and Egypt.As well as their contacts. The first death from COVID-19 in Greece was a 66-year-old man, who died on 12 March. As of 5 October 2020, there have been 20,142 confirmed cases and 417 deaths.

Following the confirmation of the first three cases in Greece, all carnival events in the country were cancelled on 27 February. Health and state authorities issued precautionary guidelines and recommendations, while measures up to early March were taken locally and included the closure of schools and the suspension of cultural events in the affected areas .On 10 March, with 89 confirmed cases and no deaths in the country, the government decided to suspend the operation of educational institutions of all levels nationwide and then, on 13 March, to close down all cafes, bars, museums, shopping centres, sports facilities and restaurants in the country.

On 4 March, two new cases were confirmed in Greece. A middle-aged man in close contact with the fifth confirmed case, tested positive and was put in solitary confinement at AHEPA University Hospital.On 6 March, 14 new cases were confirmed in Greece. Eleven members of the Israel-Egypt travel group, as well as three people who afterwards came in contact with them, tested positive, bringing the country total to 45 confirmed cases. Schools, universities, theaters and cinemas were closed until 22 March .By 30 September the total number of confirmed cases had risen to 18,475 and the death toll to 391.

On 9 March, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary suspension of all flights to and from northern Italy, affecting all Greek airports and all airlines.On 14 March the suspension was extended to all passenger flights to and from Italy, excluding cargo and sanitary ones.On 16 March Greece closed its borders with Albania and North Macedonia, deciding to suspend all road, sea and air links with these countries, while only permitting the transport of goods and the entry of Greek nationals and residents. The suspension of ferry services to and from Italy, air links to Spain, as well as the prohibition of all cruise ships and sailboats docking in Greek ports was also decided.The same day it was announced that a 14-day home restriction will be mandatory for those who enter the country.

On 18 March, Greece and the other EU member states decided to close their external borders to all non-EU nationals. In Greece, the entry of citizens of countries from outside the European Union was only permitted for a condition that relates exclusively to an emergency or family matter. All private pleasure boats from abroad were also banned from entering the country. On 19 March, Turkey closed the land border crossings with Greece at Karaağaç and Ipsala.From 23 March, Greece suspended all passenger flights to and from the UK as well as all air, sea, rail and road connections with Turkey, with an exception for Greek citizens and those who have residence permits, as well ships transporting goods.On 28 March, Greece suspended all commercial flights to and from Germany and the Netherlands until 15 April.

On 15 April, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority issued NOTAMs covering until 15 May, that ban commercial flights to and from Italy, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany. On 15 May, the Hellenic CAA issued five more NOTAMs extending the suspension of all commercial flights to and from Italy, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands until 1 June, and all flights to and from Albania and North Macedonia and flights from Turkey until 15 June.

Restrictions on entry for international travellers were lifted in mid-June and entry restrictions on British tourists were set to expire on July 15. Passengers arriving from countries with high infection rates were required to take a test and agree to a two-week quarantine.