Newsletter April 2020
Let Athens come to you in April
It’s the simple liberties we miss the most. Strolling the city streets. Meeting a friend for an iced coffee or ouzo. As we advance into April, our lives feel stuck in freeze-frame. Our wanderlust has never been more acute. Whether you’ve had to postpone a much-anticipated trip to Athens – or simply dream of escaping here sometime soon – let us bring the essence of this captivating city to you. From urban soundtracks and open-air art, to Greek cuisine and literary gems, embark with us on a virtual vacation to Athens.
10 Ways to Feel Like You’re in Athens
We all wish we were elsewhere right now. But until that elsewhere becomes a possibility again, here's what you can do to infuse your home with the spirit of Athens. Whether you’re a museum geek, a stress cooker or just love to escape through music. Read more
Orestis Seferoglou
How Athens is Confronting the Covid-19 Fight
• From the earliest days, the City of Athens has taken decisive steps to curb the spread of coronavirus through the temporary closure of cultural and archeological sites, schools, shops, hotels, food and drink outlets, along with imposing restrictions on daily movements within and out of the city. Read Athens’ Covid-19 measures in full here.
• Since day one, the city has been disinfecting parks, squares, benches, and bus stops in every part of Athens. Public hospital facilities are disinfected daily.
• 35 new street cleaning machines and 10 new water trucks have expanded the daily cleaning operation across the city.
• A new "Help at Home Plus" initiative is the largest in-home services programme ever implemented by the City of Athens. It ensures that no one will be left alone during these difficult times by providing psychological support, family counseling, and food and medicine deliveries to vulnerable populations.
• Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis recently joined more than 45 urban leaders in a virtual summit organised by C40 Cities. Mayors from around the world shared their experiences with coronavirus and discussed the long-term impact on their cities.
What's On in Athens
Have a safe and cosy Easter, everyone. It will be quiet for all of us this year, as we take the time to heal, build hope and look forward to a brighter future.
A sea of candles flickers at Midnight Mass as church bells across Athens announce that Christ has risen.
Manos Chatzikonstantis