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- Ελληνικά
The Government has taken the first step for the next day in the management of the pandemic. The decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers end the separation of citizens into vaccinated and unvaccinated, with the latter able to return from Monday to restaurants, entertainment venues, stadiums, theatres and social events.
According to the Health Minister, in recent days there has been a stabilisation in epidemiological indicators as well as a noticeable reduction in the pressure on the health system, which allows us a cautious sense of optimism about the course of the pandemic.
"The past period has been difficult for all of us, as strict measures had to be taken to safeguard public health, keep the economy running and keep our schools open. Through everyone's efforts we have succeeded. With sacrifices, with restrictions in our daily lives, with changes in our habits and certainly with losses for some that cannot be replaced, we withstood the attacks of the deadly virus," the Health Minister said in announcing the relaxations.
He pointed out that stability is not guaranteed and that without the effort of all of us, both at a collective and personal level, the epidemiological picture could change at any time.
"Our steps, however, must be firm and considered, as examples of other countries that have proceeded to the total lifting of restrictive measures show us that there is a risk of derailing the epidemiological picture. We are listening to the concerns and wishes of citizens and are making every effort to ensure that all of us return to daily life as quickly and safely as possible," the Minister said.
All Cabinet decisions:
[A] from 21 February 2022, the lifting of the ban on entry of persons who have not completed their vaccination regime to eating places, entertainment centres, music and dance venues, stadiums, theatres, cinemas, auditoriums, weddings, christenings and accommodation in hotels or tourist accommodation. Entry will be permitted on presentation of a SafePass (24-hour Rapid Antigen Rapid Test).
(b) from 21 February 2022, the increase of the maximum number of persons in catering establishments, entertainment centres, music and dance centres, weddings and baptisms, from 200 to 250 persons, subject to health protocols and the maximum number of persons per square metre currently in force.
(c) from 21 February 2022, the increase in the number of persons per table in restaurants, entertainment centres, music and dance centres, weddings and christenings, from 8 to 12 persons.
(d) from 21 February 2022, the increase in the number of gatherings in residences from 10 to 20 persons, not including children under 12 years of age.
(e) the lifting of the ban on dancing and the increase in the maximum number of persons in eating and leisure places, following the establishment of a special protocol. Authorizing the Minister of Health to consult with stakeholders and implement the protocol after approval by the Scientific Advisory Committee.
(f) as of February 21, 2022, as children aged 4 years and older attending kindergarten and preschool are required to have a rapid antigen detection test (Rapid test) once a week.
(g) the introduction of the measure "test to stay" in kindergartens and pre-primary schools (excluding nurseries and nursery schools). The starting date and method of implementation of the measure will be announced after consultation with the relevant departments, workers' unions and parents' associations.
(h) the introduction of the measure "test to stay" in the Public and Educational Service. The starting date and details of the measure will be announced after consultation with the relevant departments and workers' unions.
(i) the extension of the "test to stay" measure in primary and secondary education.
(j) from 21 February 2022, the reduction of the percentage of teleworking from 50% to 25% of the staff of any company or organisation in the service sector, excluding essential services. Recall that the percentage includes individuals who, due to illness or reporting as close contact with a confirmed case, are placed on self-limitation and work from home, and individuals who use their rest leave.
(k) as of February 28, 2022, the reopening of all surgeries involving cold cases. It is emphasized that the referral of patients to Accident and Emergency Departments of private hospitals will continue in order to relieve the congestion in the CICUs of hospitals within GHS.
(l) Effective February 21, 2022, as for workers in day care facilities for vulnerable groups, transitional homeless shelters, day care centers, and child protection facilities, require demonstration of either a negative laboratory test (PCR) of 72 hours, either a negative 24-hour (Rapid test) antigen detection test, or a valid certificate of completed vaccination, or a valid certificate of recovery from COVID-19.
(m) from 21 February 2022, to increase the occupancy rate in stadiums to 70% of capacity.
from 21 February 2022, to increase the occupancy rate in theatres, cinemas and auditoriums to 75% of capacity.
(o) the extension of the existing measures until 14 March 2022.
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