22 they do not formally register them as such until after the quarantine. In many circumstances on Chios, those arriving on the island seeking international protection show up at Vial in order to request asylum. During COVID-19, authorities at the camp will not register new arrivals as asylum seekers, but instead call police to transfer them to Lefkonia for quarantine. However, it can be understood that those persons showing up at Vial are clearly expressing their purpose to seek asylum. Additionally, when asked whether those in quarantine are considered asylum seekers, RIS authorities stated that “[a]nyone who has expressed his/her intention to apply for international protection is considered as an applicant and becomes the bearer of all rights and obligations arising from this status.” and thus refer to the definition of the law.48 In line with this understanding, RIS confirmed, that some informal data of those quarantined is collected, to verify their date of entry into Greek territory.49 48 49 Letter from Chios RIC Director, July 2021 (citing the Asylum Code Art. 2(c)). Ibid. ‘Quarantine of Asylum Seeker’ – A legal classification of the quarantine practice on Chios