The lifting of additional restrictive measures and the resumption of activities were announced by the Deputy Minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Nikos Hardalias during the briefing on its progress pandemic of the infection COVID-19 in the country, since, as he said, the improvement in epidemiological data, combined with the ongoing vaccination program, makes these changes possible. These changes pertain to tourism, culture, sports, and other sectors.
Specifically:
Regarding matters pertaining to the Ministry of Tourism, the Committee, which met on Thursday, unanimously decided the following:
– With regard to the general rules for entry into the country, entry should be permitted for travelers from “green” countries who present a negative rapid test result.
– Accompanied minors under the age of 12 may enter the country without being required to take a test prior to their departure from countries in the green category. For countries in the orange and red categories, accompanied minors under the age of 6 may enter the country without being required to take a test.
– Entry into the country from other third countries should be permitted in accordance with each country’s classification as green, orange, or red. For green countries, the existing rules shall apply. For orange-listed countries, entry should be permitted for individuals who have been fully vaccinated (with vaccines recognized by our country) and have taken a PCR test within 72 hours prior to their departure. Excluded from this provision are citizens from countries on the red list, for whom the 7-day quarantine requirement remains in effect.
– Unvaccinated workers in the tourism sector (hotels, travel agencies, tour guide services, car rental services, restaurants, etc.) must undergo self-administered testing twice a week, with the government covering the cost of the first test and the business owner covering the cost of the second.
Regarding matters pertaining to the Ministry of Development and Investment, the members of the Committee unanimously decided:
– With regard to retail, the reduction in the customer-to-space ratio from 1 person per 25 square meters to 1 person per 16 square meters effective June 19, with the aim of preventing lines from forming outside stores, especially where there is more than one store and lines overlap, along with the mandatory use of masks inside stores.
– Operation of trade fairs in accordance with the operating protocol for open-air markets. The requirement for a minimum distance of one meter between sales stalls is waived when the stalls are part of a continuous structure in which the vendors’ stalls are separated from one another by lightweight partitions.
– Resumption of operations at outdoor playgrounds, with mandatory use of face masks for all employees and adult patrons at all locations.
– Luna Parks will reopen on June 19, subject to the following conditions:
– A minimum distance of 4 meters between machines, so that there are wide aisles for traffic.
– Mandatory use of protective masks for employees and customers.
– Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance to each game.
– After each round of play, disinfect all points of contact between players and the game.
– Free distribution of masks to all players.
– A distance of at least 2 meters between individual coin-operated games.
– Markings to ensure that people maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters when there is a line.
– Constant reminders to comply with safety and hygiene measures broadcast over the company’s public address system.
– Preventing overcrowding at attractions with high demand, which is the responsibility of the business owner.
It was also decided to resume wellness services starting June 19, given that these activities support tourism and it is necessary for them to reopen alongside the other wellness services that are already operating normally, including the following services:
◦ Bathhouse operations services
◦ Therapeutic bath and mineral spring services
◦ Massage services.
Furthermore, regarding matters pertaining to the Ministry of Culture, the members of the Committee unanimously supported:
– The operation of movie theaters (those open year-round) starting July 1 at 50% of their capacity, upon presentation of a vaccination certificate or a negative self-test result, and the universal mandatory use of masks, along with the requirement to issue electronic tickets to facilitate potential contact tracing, while also recommending the installation of HEPA filters.
– The possibility, during rehearsals, filming, performances, and concerts, for string musicians, following the example of orchestras in other European countries, to be able to maintain a distance of 1 meter from one another, while wearing their masks and each using their own music stand.
Regarding matters pertaining to the General Secretariat of Sports, the committee members unanimously supported allowing vaccinated individuals to work out at gyms without masks, provided they present a vaccination certificate.
As Mr. Hardalias pointed out, other decisions regarding matters under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation, the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, as well as certain matters pertaining to the General Secretariat for Sports, will be announced by the respective ministries.
How the country's epidemiological map is drawn up
The epidemiological situation in each Regional Unit of the country is also reflected in the Epidemiological Map, which, following Thursday’s meeting of the relevant committee, has been updated and is now available at covid19.gov.gr.
More specifically, the only region moving up a level is the Regional Unit of Euboea, which is being moved from Level 2—Yellow to Level 3—Orange.
– The regional units of Chania, Kozani, the Southern Sector of Athens, Eastern Attica, Corfu, Magnesia, and Naxos are being downgraded and moved from Orange to Yellow (Level 2), as their epidemiological situation appears to have improved.
– The situation has also improved in the Regional Units of Thesprotia, Kalymnos, Chios, Lasithi, Zakynthos, Rodopi, Andros, and Tinos, which are being downgraded from Level 2 (yellow) to Level 1 (green).
Although the Regional Units of Thira, Corfu, Naxos, the Attica Islands, and Rhodes are at Level 2—Yellow, it should be noted that the municipalities of Anafi, Sikinos, Folegandros, Paxos, Amorgos, Agistri, Kythira, Poros, Spetses, Hydra, Symi, Tilos, Megisti, and Halki are at Level 1 – Green.
As Mr. Hardalias pointed out, the data indicate that the viral load is declining; however, to maintain this trend, it is essential to continue adhering to public health guidelines and protocols. «Because we have not yet left the pandemic behind us. That is why all of us at Civil Protection remain on full alert, and we continue to closely monitor every change in the data—from the very first day of the pandemic, across the entire country—so that we can intervene when necessary.”.
»At the same time, we will continue to update the public on developments on a weekly basis so that we are all aware of the facts," Mr. Hardalias concluded,
When asked when cultural associations are expected to reopen, Mr. Hardalias said that a number of activities in this sector have already resumed, while adding that, as for specific cases, the committee evaluates the epidemiological data on a weekly basis and always implements the necessary “reopenings” at the appropriate time.
