Filenews 15 February 2022
An end to the lockdown for the unvaccinated put with its decisions to relax measures the Council of Ministers, after the stabilization of the epidemiological picture of the country. Now, people who have not completed their vaccination regimen or have not chosen to be vaccinated, will be able to come to cafes, restaurants, stadiums, showrooms, etc. with a 24-hour rapid test.
The relaxations of the measures announced by the Minister of Health are the following:
(a) from 21 February 2022, the lifting of the entry ban on people who 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. Entry will be allowed upon presentation of a SafePass (rapid antigen detection test Rapid test with a power of 24 hours).
(b) from 21 February 2022, the increase of the maximum number of persons in restaurants, nightclubs, music and dance venues, weddings and christenings, from 200 to 250 people, in compliance with the health protocols and the maximum number of persons per square metre in force.
(c) from 21 February 2022, the increase in the number of persons per table in restaurants, nightclubs, music and dance venues, weddings and christenings, from 8 to 12 people.
(d) from 21 February 2022, the increase in the number of gatherings in homes from 10 to 20 people, not including children up to 12 years of age.
(e) the lifting of the ban on dance and the increase of the maximum number of persons in catering and recreation areas, following the establishment of a special protocol. Authorization of the Minister of Health for consultation with the stakeholders and implementation of the protocol following the approval of the Advisory Scientific Committee.
(f) from 21 February 2022, as children aged 4 years and over who attend kindergartens and pre-primary schools, are required to perform rapid antigen tests once a week.
(g) the introduction of the measure "test to stay" in kindergartens and pre-primary schools (excluding nursery departments and stations). The starting date and the manner of implementation of the measure will be announced after consultation with the competent services, the workers' guilds and the parents' associations.
(h) the introduction of the measure "test to stay" in the Public and Educational Service. The starting date and the details of the implementation of the measure will be announced after consultation with the competent services and the workers' guilds.
(i) the extension of the measure "test to stay" in Primary and Secondary Education.
(j) as of 21 February 2022, the reduction of the teleworking rate 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.
(k) from 28 February 2022, the resumption of 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.
(l) from 21 February 2022, such as for workers in day care facilities for vulnerable groups, transitional shelters for the homeless, day centres and child protection facilities, to require the demonstration of either a negative laboratory test (PCR) valid for 72 hours, or a negative rapid antigen test valid for 24 hours , either a valid certificate of complete vaccination, or a valid certificate of recovery from the covid-19 disease.
(m) as of February 21, 2022, the increase of occupancy in stadiums to 70% of capacity.
(n) as of February 21, 2022, the increase in occupancy in theatres, cinemas and entertainment venues to 75% of capacity.
(o) the extension of the existing measures until and including 14 March 2022.
In a statement, the Minister of Health, Michalis Hadjipantelas, said that in the past period we have all had a difficult time, as strict measures had to be taken in order to ensure public health, keep the economy running and keep our schools open. With the efforts of all of us we succeeded. With sacrifices, with restrictions in our daily lives, with changes in our habits and certainly with losses for some who are not replenished, we have withstood the attacks of the deadly virus.
"In recent days, there has been a stabilization in epidemiological indicators as well as a significant decrease in the pressure of the health system, which allows us a cautious sense of optimism about the course of the pandemic. We recognize that stability is not guaranteed and that without the effort of all of us, both collectively and personally, the epidemiological picture can change at any time. It is for this reason that our scientific team constantly observes the epidemiological indicators and their course.
The important thing is that we have won the bet with the opening of schools and having stayed open during Christmas, and at this stage we are able to readjust the restrictive measures with relaxations. Today, with more data and weapons in our quiver, we can plan our next, freer steps.
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 listen to the concerns and desires of the citizens and we make every effort for the shortest possible and safest return of all of us to everyday life", he concluded.
