Over 2,000 asylum applicants on Greek islands belong to coronavirus-vulnerable groups and will be temporarily moved from hotspots, International Organization of Migration (IOM) Mission Chief for Greece Gianluca Rocco said on Monday, according to ANA.
Rocco pointed out that IOM plans to temporarily house these people in hotels and apartments on the islands and the mainland, preventatively. The group includes everyone over 65 years of age, even those who have no health issues, he said.
For the same reason, last week the UN High Commission for Refugees issued an invitation for rentals of hotels and ships. The latter would dock at the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, and Leros, and the contracts would cover 15 days with the option of extension to two months. The Migration & Asylum Ministry had approved the plan and the European Union will finance it.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
