Government restricts migrant camp movements to prevent the spread of coronavirus

Greek authorities have stated that they are restricting the movement of migrants living in overcrowded camps on its islands, in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"Protecting public health at any cost, for the benefit of residents on the islands and in camps, is our priority," Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi stated.

Over the next 30 days, people living in migrants camps such as Moria in Lesvos, will be allowed to temporarily exit the facilities (to obtain food and supplies from nearby towns) only in small groups, every hour between 7am-7pm.

Greece's Migration Ministry also announced they would be placing migrant camps on a two-week shutdown to visitors.

“Visits (to camps) by individuals and organisations are suspended for at least 14 days,” the statement from the Migration Ministry said.

“Entry will be allowed only to staff and there will be a compulsory temperature check for new arrivals,” it concluded.

There has been no cases of coronavirus at any of the camps, the ministry said.