02/03/22

[Maik]

Sixty one new cases of coronavirus confirmed on Kefalonia yesterday by EODY, eight on Ithaka

Today's bank rate:
1 GBP = € 1.1656
1 USD = € 0.8698

Based on Alpha Bank exchange rates, these are widely used by exchange agencies in Greece.
Other banks likely to offer a different rate which may be marginally higher or lower.
Banks and foreign exchange offices normally charge standard 2% commission.
You may get a better rate changing your holiday money in advance at e.g the Post Office.
NB: some f-ex agencies advertise "No Commission".
Invariably, they deduct commission before they (don't) advertise the rate.
Foreign exchange offices are businesses, not charities.

Ten day weather forecast for Kefalonia:
This is an overall forecast, due to the mountainous terrain the weather can be very localised.
Updated forecast @ weather.com

Day, Date   Hi°/Lo°   Wind sp   Wet   Forecast
Wed 02/03   12°/08°   20 km/h   83%   Light rain probable
Thu 03/03   13°/09°   22 km/h   38%   Light rain possible
Fri 04/03   14°/09°   14 km/h   68%   Showers probable
Sat 05/03   13°/08°   14 km/h   87%   Light rain probable
Sun 06/03   13°/08°   16 km/h   74%   Showers probable
Mon 07/03   13°/08°   15 km/h   74%   Showers probable
Tue 08/03   13°/07°   15 km/h   61%   Showers probable
Wed 09/03   13°/08°   16 km/h   63%   Showers probable
Thu 10/03   13°/08°   13 km/h   24%   Sun & cloud
Fri 11/03   15°/09°   14 km/h   23%   Sun & cloud

[Maik]

Ionian Islands Regional Council has approved improvements to the Poros-Skala-Ratzakli road with a budget of 2,000,000 euros. No indication when work will start / finish.

[Maik]

Interactive map of Kefalonia & Ithaka compiled by Telemachos Beriatos:



https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1YmmKiQ6DxpN8GjfJHNC_Nm9OeAVleW1D&usp=sharing

[Maik]

UK allows emergency use of bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticide

The UK government has authorised the emergency use of a type of pesticide almost entirely banned in the EU because of the harm it can cause bees.

A Defra spokesperson said the use of one type of neonicotinoid on sugar beet was "based on robust scientific assessment".

The use would be subject to strict conditions, Defra said.

But the Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts, Craig Bennett, called it "scandalous".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-60579670

[Maik]

FitBit owners told to stop wearing Ionic smartwatches as they could overheat and burn

More than 100 people have reported being burnt by the watch after its battery overheated, said the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in its announcement.

https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/fitbit-ionic-recall-battery-overheating-b2026699.html

[Maik]

Jet2 is first UK airline to drop mask rule on flights

A spokesperson for the airline said: "It is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask in England and Northern Ireland, including at our airports or onboard our aircraft.

"However, as per UK government guidance, we recommend that customers continue to wear a face mask in these spaces, and we remind customers that they will need to wear one when they get to their overseas destination."

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/jet2-mask-rules-dropped-flights-b2026549.html

[Maik]

Today's coronavirus cases on Kef/Ithaka: 47/2

[Maik]

Outdoor mask mandate in Greece scrapped
The measure will take effect on Saturday, March 5

The Greek Committee of Experts on Covid has recommended the scrapping of the mandatory use of a mask outdoors, which the government accepted.

However, the committee strongly recommended the use of the mask outdoors in places where there is overcrowding, especially for people who are at a higher risk of being infected with the coronavirus.

https://en.protothema.gr/outdoor-mask-mandate-in-greece-scrapped/

[Maik]

Emergency airlift this afternoon from Kef airport to hospital in Rio for a seriously injured victim of a car accident in Lixouri.

[Maik]

Snow chains needed on Ainos although drivers advised to avoid the road up past the observatory.

[Maik]

Alleged cat thieves caught stuffing family pet in box amid 'wave of catnappings'

A pair of suspected cat thieves have been caught on camera trying to stuff a beloved family pet in a box in the dead of night.

And there are worries the duo could be responsible for a string of similar thefts in Solihull.Victims have come forward claiming their pets have vanished only to later turn up on a pet selling website. The string of thefts has been reported to the police.

https://www.itv.com/news/central/2022-03-02/alleged-cat-thieves-caught-stuffing-family-pet-in-box-amid-wave-of-catnappings