UPDATE. Corona measures – until 30th January
The Greek Health Ministry’s committee of experts for Covid-19
on Wednesday evening decided to extend the measures against the spread of the coronavirus for another week.
Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris said that the Omicron peak happened much earlier than expected and that there is “tremendous pressure” on the National Health System due to the Delta variant.
The minister also said there was a great concern about the phenomenon and therefore “it makes sense” for the measures to be extended in order to monitor the situation.
The measures, in place since 3rd January and which were expected to be lifted this Sunday after a second extension, will remain in effect until 31st January.
The measures are expected to be reviewed next week and a decision will be made with regard to the music ban and the current midnight curfew imposed on restaurants, cafes and bars.
Following the measures that have been extended:
– Increased protection masks (KN95/FFP2) or double masks are mandatory for workers in F&B establishments and hospitals, as well as for people using public transport and shoppers in supermarkets.
– Entertainment venues (restaurants, cafes and bars) close at midnight. They are open only for vaccinated customers who must be seated (standing customers are not allowed). A maximum of 6 people may sit at a table.
– Music is banned at all entertainment venues.
– Organized parties in public or private spaces are banned.
– Sports stadiums are allowed to operate at only 10 percent capacity, with a cap on 1,000 spectators.
– Visitors at hospitals and nursing homes must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test performed at least 48 hours earlier.
– Teleworking (by 50 percent) for staff in both public and private sectors. Staggered shifts (employees will start work at different times) continue in both sectors.