Comic-tragic situation for the passengers of an air flight.  12 of the 91 passengers on a Qatar plane flying to Athens were tested negative for the new coronavirus.  On landing, however, they were tested again, the result being a positive one.

As a result, Greece has suspended all flights to and from Qatar after some passengers on a Doha to Athens flight tested positive for COVID-19.  Greek authorities say 12 of the passengers contracted the virus, the rest being healthy.  "Because of this, flights to and from Qatar are suspended until June 15," they said.

However, the airline claims that all the passengers of the flight were healthy before boarding, in Doha.

Among those tested positive are nine Pakistani citizens living in Greece, two Greeks living in Australia and a member of a Greco-Japanese family.  These people will be quarantined in a hotel for two weeks.

 After a gradual exit from isolation on May 4, the tourist season officially begins on June 15 in Greece, with the reopening of seasonal hotels and the resumption of numerous international flights from the regions least affected by the pandemic.

 Greece on Friday announced the opening of airports in Athens and Thessaloniki for tourists from 29 countries, including 15 in the European Union, starting June 15.

 Between June 15 and 30, the planes will only be able to land in the two cities.  The other regional airports and those on the Greek islands will not reopen until July 1.

Qatar Airways has made it mandatory for economy-class passengers to wear a protective face shield on board the aircraft in addition to a mask to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading during flight.

 The new requirement applies to adults and children from 2 years.  Protective equipment can only be removed during meals.

 Business class passengers will be able to wear safety screens at will.  The airline explained this policy by the fact that in the business class cabin there is more space between people.

 Qatar Airways will provide one-time safety screens for free.  This will occur during check-in for departure from Doha and at the gates at other airports.  Screens come in two sizes - for children and adults.

 Additionally, on board, each passenger receives a travel kit, which includes a surgical mask, large disposable gloves and alcohol-based hand gel.

 Qatar Airways recalled that they regularly disinfect aircraft, and that blankets, pillows, headphones and other items are processed after each flight.