** LAST UPDATE: 25/02/2021**
A second nationwide lockdown was announced in November, as a result of an aggressive increase in COVID-19 cases and a growing number of hospitalized patients.
Currently, Heraklion and Rethymno are listed as red zones, due to the dramatic increase of coronavirus cases. Both cities are currently in strict lockdown. Circulation is prohibited after 6pm, except from emergencies, and commercial shops only service by appointment.
The lockdown rules are summarized below for our incoming students:
- Circulation is prohibited from 6pm to 5am (except for special reasons, such as emergencies or walking a pet)
- Anyone leaving the house will have to carry a valid identification card or document with them, and send an SMS text message to 13033 in order to obtain permission to leave their homes during the lockdown.
The SMS to 13033 should be formatted as follows: X (one of the digits 1-6 corresponding to the activities below), name, surname, and address.
The six numbers you can use are:
1. Visit to a pharmacy or visit to a doctor if necessary (valid even after 21.00)
2. Visit to a supermarket or stores for essential supplies (not valid after 21.00)
3. Visit to a bank if e-banking transactions are not possible (not valid after 21.00)
4. Visit to people needing assistance or escorting children to and from school (not valid after 21.00)
5. Attending a funeral, as per the conditions provided by the law, or visiting children in case of divorced parents (not valid after 21.00).
6. Physical exercise outdoors up to two persons is allowed, while always keeping a 1.5-metre distance.
Alternatively, individuals unable to send SMS, can fill out the form by hand. There are two types of documents: Document A, which is filled out once by the person going to work, with name, home address, work address, and shift schedule. This will be provided by employers (the University of Crete in this case). Document B is for trips not related to work and must be filled out every time a citizen wishes to leave his or her house, instead of an SMS. It must contain your name, home address, destination, and reason for circulation.
Please find more detailed information and the forms you can fill in by hand here.
What remains open
Supermarkets, gorcery stores, kiosks, and the e-commerce section of retail stores.
Opticians and stores selling hearing aids will remain open, only by appointment.
Stores selling telecoms, computers, and phones will work through e-shops only.
Other stores remaining open include pharmacies, dry cleaners, kiosks (24 hours), gas stations, health, and veterinary service centers, pet shops, and open air markets.
Please contact us to find out how your erasmus programme will continue, if you would like to cancel your mobility and return home, or if you need any assistance.