ATHENS – While COVID-19 cases have gradually been dropping in Greece despite the appearance of the Omicron Variant, deaths have not, with 1,759 through Jan. 22, an average of 80 a day, continuing to worry health officials.

It’s been attributed to the more deadly Delta Variant also maintaining its hold across the country and that 95 percent of the fatalities were elderly or those with underlying or multiple conditions.

The total at that time was 1,781,203 cases and 22,549 dead, the major opposition SYRIZA blaming the New Democracy government for the toll, complaining that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has mishandled his response to the pandemic.

The government has extended health measures through the end of January that bar the unvaccinated from most public gathering spots although they are allowed into supermarkets and pharmacies.

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) also extended all COVID-19 aviation directives that concern flights and arrivals to Greece from abroad until Feb. 7, said GTP Headlines.

Arrivals are allowed from European Union and Schengen Zone member states, those traveling for “essential reasons” and residents from 42 non-EU countries and territories.

But all inbound travelers (including children over 5 years old) must show proof of being fully vaccinated or having recovered from the Coronavirus as well as a negative molecular taken 74 hours before arrival of rapid test taken within the previous 24 hours.

Αll travelers to Greece must also submit the mandatory Passenger Locator Form (PLF) up to 24 hours before departure of their flight.