Filenews 8 April 2022
Clarifications on yesterday's decisions of the Council of Ministers in relation to new relaxations in the epidemiological measures, was published by the Ministry of Health.
Specifically:
a) from 11 April 2022, the abolition of the mandatory use of protective masks outdoors.
- It is reminded that for all indoor / enclosed spaces, citizens are required to wear a protective mask and keep the necessary distances.
- It is recommended that citizens use a double surgical mask or a high-protection mask (type CN95 or FFP2 type).
- Avoid the use of a cloth protective face mask.
b) as of April 11, 2022, the abolition of safe pass in workplaces, in compliance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
- Employees of nursing homes, closed facilities, hospitals, medical centres and health professionals are excluded.
- It is recommended to conduct a self-test in case of symptoms.
(c) from 18 April 2022, the abolition of safe pass in retail trade and shopping malls.
- Catering, recreation and entertainment areas and other places that according to a decree must be provided with a Safe Pass are excluded.
- The demonstration of a Safe Pass is required in places over 100sq.m, i.e. that more than 25 people congregate.
d) from 11 April 2022, the automatic release of persons undergoing their confinement as positive cases on the 7th day of self-isolation, without conducting a Rapid antigen test provided that they do not show active symptoms.
- Release earlier than the 7th day can be done with a PCR test (with a negative result) on the 5th day of the diagnosis at the same expense. Before going to a clinical laboratory, the positive case should inform the chemical laboratory to perform the test, wear a protective mask and observe the necessary distances. It is recommended that citizens use a double surgical mask or a high-protection mask (KN-type) 95 or FFP2 type).
- The measure will also apply in already existing cases on 11 April 2022.
- Special arrangements apply to closed structures, nursing homes and hospitals.
- A positive case that has symptoms should contact his Personal Doctor for an extension of the sick leave.
e) from 11 April 2022, the reduction of the period of self-isolation from 7 to 5 days, of persons who are close contacts of a confirmed positive case and according to the protocol are placed in confinement, provided that they do not show active symptoms (people who do not hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate).
- Obligation to test rapid antigen (Rapid test) on the 3rd and 5th day of contact.
- The measure will also apply in already existing cases on 11 April 2022.
- Close contacts who have not been isolated from the positive incident should remain in confinement until the positive incident is released on the 7th day.
(f) from 11 April 2022, the reduction of the time period of the measure "test to stay" (where applicable) from 7 to 5 days.
- The measure will also apply in already existing cases on 11 April 2022.
- From the use of the measure "test to stay" are excluded students who are domestic contact of a positive incident.
- More information about the procedure will be listed in the press release – "Test points to stay in school units and clinical laboratories for April 11, 2022"
g) from 11 April 2022, the extension of the validity of the measure "test to stay" (where applicable) in extracurricular afternoon activities for students.
- More information about the procedure will be listed in the press release – "Test points to stay in school units and clinical laboratories for April 11, 2022"
h) as of April 11, 2022, the abolition of Safe Pass demonstration in businesses that serve the public, as well as the Departments/Services of the state and wider state sector that serve the public, in archaeological sites, museums, historical sites, visual arts and galleries, in construction sites and businesses of similar activity, in street markets, bazaars and popular festivals.
- Also, Safe Pass is not required regardless of square meters, in pharmacies, supermarkets, grocery stores, butchers, fishmongers, bakeries, bakeries, patisseries, fruit markets, kiosks, mini market and take away service.
- Safe Pass is required in the gaming and betting businesses, casinos, hairdressers, barbershops, beauty salons and tattoo centres, theatres, cinemas, showrooms, playgrounds, amusement parks, theme parks, stadiums, hotels, dining areas, nightclubs, banquet venues, nightclubs and music and dance venues.
- It is reminded that the demonstration of Safe Pass is required in areas over 100sq.m, i.e. places where more than 25 persons congregate.
i) from 11 April 2022, the increase of occupancy in theatres, amphitheatres and cinemas to 100% of capacity.
j) as of April 11, 2022, as teleworking is recommended at a rate of 25% in businesses and organizations, public and wider public sector, as well as in local government authorities.
(k) as of April 11, 2022, as visits to patients in public and private hospitals are allowed upon presentation of a 24-hour rapid antigen test (1 person per visit).
- Strictly observe the visiting hours of hospitals
l) from May 2, 2022, as students upon their return to schools present a rapid antigen test valid for 48 hours and then demonstration of a Rapid test of 7 days validity.
(m) as of April 11, 2022, as it is allowed to organize group camps upon presentation of a Safe Pass (average risk conditions).
(n) from 15 April 2022, as the announcement of positive diagnoses, deaths and hospitalisations, shall be made on a weekly basis.
