Filenews 21 February 2022
New relaxations of the restrictive measures for the pandemic come into force from today Monday, in accordance with the latest decisions of the Council of Ministers.
Specifically, as of today, February 21st, the following apply:
- The ban on entry to people who have no history of vaccination, or have not completed their vaccination scheme in restaurants, nightclubs, music and dance centres, stadiums, theatres, cinemas, showrooms, weddings, christenings and accommodation in hotels or tourist accommodation is lifted.
- Increase of the maximum number of persons in restaurants, nightclubs, music and dance centres, weddings and christenings, from 200 to 250 people, in compliance with health protocols and the maximum number of people per square meter that is in force.
- Increase in the number of people per table in restaurants, nightclubs, music and dance centres, weddings and christenings, from 8 to 12 people.
- Increase in the number of gatherings in homes from 10 to 20 people, not including children up to 12 years of age.
- Lifting of the ban on dance and the increase of the maximum number of people in restaurants and recreation areas, following the establishment of a special protocol.
- Children aged 4 years and over who attend kindergartens and pre-primary schools are required to perform rapid antigen tests once a week.
- Introduction of the measure test to stay in kindergartens and pre-primary schools (excluding infant classes and stations).
- The introduction of the test to stay measure in the Public and Educational Service.
- The extension of the measure "test to stay" in Primary and Secondary Education.
- The reduction of the percentage of teleworking from 50% to 25% of the staff of each company or organization in the service sector, excluding essential services. It is recalled that the percentage includes people who, due to illness or declaration as close contact with a confirmed case, are placed in self-isolation and work from home, as well as people who make use of their rest leave.
- Employees of day care facilities for vulnerable groups, transitional shelters for the homeless, day centres and child protection facilities are required to present either a negative laboratory test (PCR) valid for 72 hours, or a negative rapid antigen test (Rapid test) valid for 24 hours, or a valid certificate of complete vaccination, or a valid certificate of recovery from the COVID-19 disease.
- The increase of occupancy in stadiums to 70% of the capacity.
- The increase of occupancy in theatres, cinemas to 75% of the capacity.
- The extension of the existing measures until 14 March 2022 inclusive.
In addition, as of February 28, it was decided to resume all surgeries involving cold cases. It is emphasized that the referral of patients to Emergency Accident Departments of private hospitals will continue in order to decongest the TAEP Hospitals within the GHS.
->>Specification of the Ministry of Health for the lifting of the entry ban on people without a history of vaccination or on people who have not completed their vaccination program
As of February 21, 2022, the ban on entry to people who have no history of vaccination, or have not completed their vaccination regimen in restaurants, nightclubs, music and dance centres, stadiums, theatres, cinemas, showrooms, weddings, christenings and accommodation in hotels or tourist accommodation, is lifted.
SafePass requirements by age for the above areas:
- 0-5 years: laboratory examination is not required.
- 6-11 years old: a Rapid test with a negative result is required on a weekly basis.
- 12 years and older: a Rapid test with a negative result of 24 hours is required.
SafePass requirements by age for all other venues:
- 0-5 years: laboratory examination is not required.
- 6-11 years old: a Rapid test with a negative result is required on a weekly basis.
- 12-17 years old: an examination (PCR or Rapid test) is required with a negative result of 72 hours power.
- 18 years and older: a Rapid test with a negative power of 48 hours or a PCR test with a power of 72 hours is required.
