Greece set a new daily record for COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, registering 50,126 cases. There were also 61 deaths.
The previous record of 40,560 cases was set on December 31.
These record case numbers come as Greek schools prepare to reopen on January 10, as planned, with increased COVID-19 testing.
The announcement was made during a briefing by Education Minister Niki Kerameus, Health Minister Thanos Plevris and Professor Vana Papaevangelou, a member of the Health Ministry’s committee of experts.
Pupils will be required to take three self-tests in the first week of school following the winter break. After that, pupils (regardless of their vaccination status) will do a test twice a week.
In the event that a pupil is found positive for COVID-19, all pupils and teachers will have to undergo testing for the next five days (two rapid and three self-tests).
The cost of these PCR molecular tests at private laboratories and clinics have also now been capped at 47 euros from Thursday, following a recent decision by Greece’s Development Ministry.
Greece’s total number of confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic is 1,344,923, with 21,053 deaths.
Source: Ekathimerini.