Greece on Monday introduced additional restrictions efficient from January 3-16 to comprise an extra upsurge in COVID-19 infections together with the Omicron variant, concentrating on primarily night-time leisure venues.
As confirmed new COVID-19 circumstances surged to a document of 9,284 on Monday, leading to 66 deaths, the well being minister stated that underneath the brand new measures, high-protection masks could be obligatory at supermarkets, public transport and consuming institutions.
Bars and eating places should shut at midnight and no standing prospects at leisure venues can be allowed. There may also be a most restrict of six individuals per desk.
“If we discover that these measures will not be complied with we are going to ban music (at leisure venues),” Well being Minister Thanos Plevris instructed a information convention.
The federal government additionally moved to limit attendance of sports activities occasions to 10% of capability or an higher restrict of 1,000 individuals.
Guests at care amenities for the aged can be permitted if they will furnish a unfavorable PCR check taken inside the earlier 48 hours.
Authorities had already tightened present laws final week, mandating masks carrying in open areas and banning Christmas and New 12 months festivities.
“We’re coming into the (interval of) prevalence of the Omicron variant in Greece,” Plevris stated.
Within the metropolitan Athens space the federal government plans to ask personal sector hospitals to help the general public well being system, if obligatory, to deal with hospitalisations.
Plevris requested those that can be celebrating New 12 months’s Eve to “shield their family members” and keep away from contact in the event that they expose themselves to public gatherings throughout the holidays.
Greece already had in place restrictions on unvaccinated individuals utilizing out of doors or indoor venues. Final week, it ordered double masks or masks providing excessive safety for individuals utilizing public transport or in supermarkets.
Well being specialists consider Omicron is extra contagious than earlier strains of the coronavirus, however two research prior to now week recommend these affected have been much less more likely to require hospital therapy.
(Reuters)