Greece announced tougher restrictions for unvaccinated people on Tuesday.
It comes as the country recorded 6,700 new cases and 59 deaths on Tuesday – its highest single-day case figure since the pandemic began.
Health Minister Thanos Plevris said new measures will take effect from Saturday.
“The measures will affect people who choose not to be vaccinated,” he said, adding that the government has ruled out a return to a general lockdown.
Unvaccinated people will have to show a recent negative COVID-19 test to enter all indoor public areas and outdoor hospitality venues, as well as outdoor restaurants and cafes.
Exceptions will apply for supermarkets, shops selling food, pharmacies, and places of worship.
All public and private sector workers will have to show a negative test twice a week – up from once a week – to enter their workplaces.
Plevris said police inspections for mandate breaches will scale up, with business owners facing higher fines starting from €5,000 (AU$7,792).
The government will also launch a new SMS vaccination campaign for those who haven’t been inoculated.
Some 61% of Greece’s population is fully vaccinated and those who received their vaccine six months ago will be able to book their booster shots from Friday.
Source: AP
