Greece has been a relative success story throughout the pandemic, with case rates much lower than in many other European countries.

A decisive action to immunise its population in time for the summer season is now underway.

A total of an additional 6 million doses of vaccines are expected to be received during April, May and June alone, reaching immunity levels of about 50% of the population by the end of June.

In May 1,550,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine are expected and 1,770,000 in June. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is just a single dose vaccination, will start to be rolled out this month at an expected rate of 70,000, increasing to 300,000 in May and 960,000 expected in June.

The AstraZenaca jab is expected to continue at the rate of 450,000 each month through to the end of June and a minimum of 100,000 of the Moderna vaccine will also be included in this ambitious programme.

This significant stepping up of the immunisation programme will allow tourism to open up with safety and optimism.

The take-up rate for the vaccine in Greece is extremely high with 97% of the population showing up for their pre-designated appointment.

An online waiting list system in place allowing for those included in a waiting list to receive the jab earlier in the event of a cancellation. The Health Minister, Vassilis Kikilias said that no vaccine dose must be lost.