So how many of us are actually going (hopefully)

[Karen]

We're not concerned about the tests , in fact we welcome them, it's just concern about ongoing restrictions that may spoil a holiday for us and fear of becoming ill. John is quite frail now.

[Jimbo]

Yes. I guess that's a judgement call we all have to make.

[Karen]

It is Jim.

[Woody]

Deb and i are booked in for ten days in September (fingers crossed).

[maggiesaes]

We went last September for three weeks and had a wonderful time.
This year we have changed May and opted for early June and also have a September booking.
We are vaccinated but will be quite willing to be tested if necessary if it means we can go.
I am loathe to put things off from year to year,who knows if we will be fit enough to travel then.

[Jimbo]

Some relevant news - first from the Greek Prime Minister:

“Yesterday (Thursday) we exceeded the milestone of 1 million doses. Greece is moving proportionally faster than many European countries,” Mistotakis said, adding that the question now is how to expedite the process “so that we can build the wall of immunity which will allow us to return to normalcy.” (Ekathimerini)

Greece is also intending to press ahead with vaccination certificates to streamline the way for tourism from May onwards. Parallel with that is a plan to vaccinate all islands -smallest first - and create virus-free zones.

[Karen]

That's good Jim

[Tredegar Boy]

Parallel with that is a plan to vaccinate all islands -smallest first - and create virus-free zones.

So that's Corfu being done last but one I think.

[Jimbo]

You are right. Aiming for as near 100% by end of June, I think, in the larger islands. The dominant Variant of Concern (VoC) is the UK B1.1.7 virus, which we know the current vaccines are effective against.

[David A]

I'm beginning to consider flying over for my usual week late September, (if Ms Sturgeon allows us to leave the country) although I'm still awaiting word on when I'll get my first jab.

[Jimbo]

Tiny news snippet: The Greek government has announced that as soon as the vulnerable have been vaccinated, those working in the hospitality industry will be next. Promising.

[Karen]

Tiny news snippet: The Greek government has announced that as soon as the vulnerable have been vaccinated, those working in the hospitality industry will be next. Promising.

That's good and makes sense, Jim.

[WINKIE]

Government adviser reported as saying that it is highly unlikely there will be foreign holidays this year, BBC News.

[Tredegar Boy]

Government adviser reported as saying that it is highly unlikely there will be foreign holidays this year, BBC News.

That will go down well on the islands let alone places like Athens. 10% of all Greeks work in tourism producing 6.8% of GDP - you can't say we're shut for 2021 in March.

[Jimbo]

I think that Dr Mike Tildesley is right to be pessimistic. The South African variant is emerging in parts of Europe. It's vital to keep it out of the UK.

It's unlikely that the EU will complete its vaccination dawdle until mid-2022 and possibly later. Greece may have to be very careful who it lets in.