Greece: Mandatory tests for the unvaccinated, COVID-19 booster shots for over 60s

·

Greece will make a COVID-19 booster vaccine available to vulnerable groups from Tuesday, Health Ministry experts said, hoping to curb a rise in Delta variant infections.

Authorities would start making booster jab appointments available from Tuesday to persons with compromised immune systems and individuals over the age of 60.

“It can be administered 6-8 months after the second dose,” said Maria Theodoridou, chair of the Greek National Vaccination Committee.

“For the immuno-compromised it can be given even 4 weeks after the second dose.”

This booster shot comes as Greece on Monday introduced mandatory weekly testing for all unvaccinated workers.

READ MORE: No vaccines, no dinner: Greek restaurants accepting only vaccinated customers.

Α student checks her temperature as she arrives at a junior high school in Athens on Monday. Photo: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris.

Public and private sector employees will have to pay for weekly tests or carry a vaccination certificate to gain access to their place of work, while unvaccinated children at high schools, which reopened on Monday, are being given test kits distributed at government expense.

READ MORE: Greek health care workers strike against mandatory COVID-19 vaccines.

Similar restrictions will also apply at sports stadiums, museums and archaeological sites, as well as indoor leisure areas like cinemas and restaurants.

The country reported 1,608 new COVID-19 infections and 51 related deaths on Monday, bringing the total number of infections since the pandemic began to 616,765 and the death toll to 14,223.

Greece, with a population of 11 million people, has so far administered more than 11.8 million first shots. About 56% of the population is fully vaccinated. It hopes to increase that figure to up to 70 percent in an attempt to build wide immunity against the virus.

READ MORE: Greek and Australian Prime Ministers hold call to discuss COVID-19, vaccines and trade.

Source: Reuters.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Cyprus to Carina: The 70-year legacy of Chris Nicolaou’s family store

Chris Nicolaou had two main goals when he arrived in Australia from Cyprus in 1955. The first was to be his own boss.

Greek community unites for heart health at AHEPA Australia’s fundraiser

AHEPA Australia hosted its Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, raising over $2k.

Honouring Hellenism: One year of ‘Our People, Their Stories’ in Australia

“Our People, Their Stories,” an initiative of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, has celebrated its first anniversary.

GOCNSW hosts Dr Ifigeneia Dosi for inspiring Greek heritage language training

On Monday, October 13, the GOCNSW Afternoon and Saturday School Greek Language Program proudly hosted Dr Ifigeneia Dosi. 

Jon Adgemis’ pub buyback plan collapses after missed $6.7m payment

Bankrupt dealmaker Jon Adgemis has lost his bid to regain five Sydney pubs after missing a $6.7 million payment to administrators.

You May Also Like

Greek citizen Ionas Karussis killed in Jaffa terror attack

Hamas' military claimed responsibility for a mass shooting in Tel Aviv that caused seven fatalities, including Greek national Ionas Karussis.

Turkish hackers target Greek government websites, stock exchange

Turkish hackers claimed on Friday to have hijacked for more than 90 minutes the official websites of the Greek parliament, the foreign affairs and...

Firefighters battle huge blaze threatening village outside Athens

A major wildfire northwest of the Greek capital devoured large tracts of pine forest for a third day on Wednesday.