From Monday 13 September, new measures against coronavirus come into force throughout Greece.
In particular, the operating framework for both indoor dining and entertainment venues for unvaccinated citizens is being tightened. According to the new measures announced, access to some venues will be restricted to those able to show an official certificate of full immunity, while in others unvaccinated individuals will also be admitted as long as they show a negative 48-hour rapid antigen test, the cost of which will be borne by them.
What to remember:
1) From Monday 13 September, unvaccinated public and private sector workers will have to undergo a rapid antigen test every week at private diagnostic centres. The cost will be 10€ and will be borne by the employee.
2) Unvaccinated teachers and academics, hospitality and entertainment workers who have not had the vaccine will have to submit two negative rapid antigen tests per week –carried out exclusively in private diagnostic centres- the cost of which will be 10€ and will be borne by them.
3) Unvaccinated students:
For primary, secondary and high school students: two self-tests per week will be provided free of charge by the state for each student, the result of which must be registered on the self-testing.gov.gr platform.
For university/college students: two rapid antigen tests per week must be carried out, exclusively in private diagnostic centres at the student’s expense. The cost of the test is 10 euros.
4) Unvaccinated travellers travelling by plane, boat, train or bus to all mainland and island destinations: for adults and minors aged 12-17 years, a rapid antigen test should be carried out up to 48 hours before travel. For minors 5 to 12 years old, a self-test should be carried out up to 48 hours before the trip, exclusively in private diagnostic centres at the traveller’s expense. The cost is 10€.
Guidelines for gatherings in public places in effect from 13 September to 31 March:
Closed dining areas (cafés, bars, restaurants, taverns, nightclubs) will only be catering individuals who can show an official certificate of full immunity (vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 up to six months from the time of diagnosis). At the entrance there will be a certificate and identity check via the Covid free application.
Indoor and outdoor arenas will only be open to individuals who can show an official certificate of full immunity (vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 up to six months from the time of diagnosis). At the entrance there will be a certificate and identity check via the Covid free application.
Indoor gyms and fitness facilities will be open to individuals who can show an official certificate of full immunity (vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 up to six months from the time of diagnosis), as well as unvaccinated individuals who have had a rapid antigen test up to 48 hours before. At the entrance there will be a certificate or negative test check as well as identity check via the Covid free application.
*By law, they will also be able to request compulsory vaccination or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 from all their members.
Indoor cultural venues (theatres, cinemas, museums and archaeological sites) will be open to individuals who can show an official certificate of full immunity (vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 up to six months from the time of diagnosis), as well as unvaccinated individuals who have had a rapid antigen test up to 48 hours before. At the entrance there will be a certificate or negative test check as well as identity check via the Covid free application.
*By law, they will be able to grant access only to those able to show an official certificate of full immunity.
All other indoor workspaces: By law, employers retain the right to check whether their employees are vaccinated or not. In addition, they are obliged to check the validity of the negative test certificate of unvaccinated employees, in accordance with the established testing frequency.
Use of masks for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals: The use of masks is mandatory in all indoor areas, as well as in all crowded open spaces.
Negative rapid test required for the entry of minors over 12 in all indoor catering establishments
Children aged 12-17 years old who have not been vaccinated will be allowed to enter indoor catering establishments upon presentation of a negative rapid test, as specified in the Government Gazette.
The measure applies to restaurants, cafés, internet cafés, canteens and refreshment outlets where minors aged 12 and over must show a vaccination certificate or certificate of infection issued 30 days after the first positive test and valid for up to 180 days. Minors from 4 to 11 years of age may alternatively present a self-diagnostic test (self-test) carried out within the last 24 hours. Indoor catering establishments also include outlets within arcades, malls and transport stations.
