In a circular, the Minister of the Interior gave the green light for the smooth and democratic functioning of all collective bodies of local government (municipal and regional councils, Administrative Councils, etc.), while of course complying with health measures.
Specifically, in its circular (57th) dated 23/8/21, it specifies how these bodies can meet in person.
The circular (23/8/2021 Ref. No.: ΔΙΔΑΔ/Φ.69/177/οικ. 16474) is entitled «Measures and regulations in the context of the need to limit the spread of the coronavirus (57th CIRCULAR) Ref.: All relevant circular instructions from our Service (see Annex)» and states:
«Joint Ministerial Decision No. Δ1α/ΓΠ.οικ.51684/20-8-2021 (Government Gazette B 3899) was issued on the subject of «Emergency measures to protect public health from the risk of further spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus throughout the country, for the period from Monday, August 23, 2021, at 6:00 a.m. until Monday, August 30, 2021, at 6:00 a.m.».
Specifically, with regard to meetings, it states:
Meetings of collective bodies with physical presence without the restriction on individuals in the previous point, exclusively for those who are fully vaccinated in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 10 and those who have been ill in the last six months in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 10, subject to health measures [distance of one and a half (1.5) meters between attendees, ratio of one (1) person per five (5) square meters, use of masks and antiseptic].
This means that in a Municipal Council of 41 people, AND IF all of them have been vaccinated or have had COVID-19 in the last six months, this can be done in a space with a total area of 201.5 square meters, plus any service personnel or other necessary individuals who are called to attend.
However, if there are unvaccinated individuals among the elected representatives, they may participate via teleconference, and naturally, their share of the meeting space will be deducted.
However, the issue of the unvaccinated will be a very small minority, according to repeated statements and announcements by the leadership of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece, that the percentage of vaccinated local government officials exceeds 90%. Of course, this remains to be officially confirmed.
Finally, it was striking that the «vocal» KEDE, even on minor issues, as well as its counterpart in regional government, ENPE, had not said a word so far about this important circular and the return to normal democratic functioning of local government collective institutions.
