Greece to temporarily ban unvaccinated people from indoor bars and restaurants

·

As of next month, all indoor eateries, bars, clubs, and entertainment venues will be off-limits for Greek citizens who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced the new restrictions as the obligation of a “responsible state” on Tuesday. 

“These measures aren’t punitive,” Kikilias says. 

“They are our duty to all those who went through 18 months of the pandemic carefully, those who lost their shops, jobs and had to work from home to protect themselves.”

Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias announcing the new regulations on Tuesday (Photo: INTIME NEWS/ © Intime p.a.)

The new rules are projected to be in place for 199 days between 13 September and 31 March. 

Greek citizens will have to provide proof of inoculation or recovery from the coronavirus, in the form of a COVID-19 certificate, to access these venues, including indoor and open-air sports stadiums.

Other venues including theatres, cinemas, museums, and archaeological sites, will allow access to those who are unvaccinated but only if they provide proof of a negative rapid test conducted within 48 hours. 

Rapid tests, which are currently free of charge, will cost €10 for all those who have not been vaccinated – except for school pupils – under the new regulations. 

The regulations favor those who are vaccinated, who will continue to enjoy free COVID-19 tests, as well as people who have recovered from coronavirus, who will be granted access to establishments that range from tavernas to upmarket restaurants, late-night clubs, and bars. 

Both public and private sector workers who are not vaccinated will be subject to weekly tests. 

Workers in academia, tourism, hospitality, and other forms of entertainment, as well as school and university students, will have to test twice a week. 

Just over half of Greece’s population are fully inoculated but vaccinate hesitancy has seen fatalities, hospitalisations, and intubations rise in recent weeks. 

On Tuesday, health authorities announced 4,608 new cases – the highest daily case number since the pandemic began – and 32 deaths. 

Source: The Guardian 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

Remembering Greek author and actress Georges Sari

Georges Sarri is considered one of the most important children's book authors in Greece of all time.

Greece to officially extend mandatory military service from 9 months to 12 months

The decision was announced by National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos and will take effect in May 2021.

Natalie Kyriacou named in top 100 Australian innovators list

Entrepreneur and environmentalist, Natalie Kyriacou OAM has been named as one of Australia's top 100 innovators.