Healthcare workers in Greece protest mandatory vaccines as COVID cases remain above 6,000

·

Hundreds of Greek healthcare workers protested in central Athens against mandatory coronavirus vaccines for their profession on Wednesday, a day after the government imposed more restrictions on unvaccinated Greeks amid a spike in infections, hospitalisations and deaths.

About 300 demonstrators chanted slogans and held up banners outside the parliament building, protesting regulations that call for unvaccinated health care workers to be suspended from their jobs.

Health care unions have said they do not oppose the vaccines but object to them being required. Vaccines against the coronavirus are compulsory for workers in Greece’s healthcare sector and those working in care homes for the elderly.

Healthcare workers opposing mandatory coronavirus vaccinations and the suspension from work for those who refuse to get the shots, chant slogans during a protest outside the Greek Parliament. Photo: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris.

On Wednesday, a total of 6,150 new COVID-19 cases and 49 deaths were recorded in Greece, continuing the trend of elevated case numbers in the country in recent days.

But despite this, Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said on Wednesday in Parliament there will not be a new lockdown in the country.

From Saturday however, tougher restrictions would be imposed for all those who are unvaccinated.

READ MORE: Greece tightens restrictions on unvaccinated as COVID-19 cases reach record high.

COVID cases remain above 6,000 in Greece.

Anyone without a certificate of vaccination or recent recovery from COVID-19 will need to display a negative PCR or rapid test, conducted at their own cost at a private facility, for access to a wide range of facilities, including banks, public services, shops, hair salons and entertainment venues.

Public and private sector employees will also have to take two tests per week, up from the current one, to enter their workplaces.

Around 61% of Greece’s total population has been fully vaccinated, and people age 12 and over are eligible for shots. Booster shots are available for those over 50, and will be available starting Friday to all adults who received their last vaccine dose six months earlier.

Source: AP News.

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

Tennis star Andriana Petrakis wins Young Achiever Woman of the Year scholarship

Rising tennis star Andriana Petrakis has been awarded The Advertiser Foundation’s $10,000 Young Achiever Woman of the Year Scholarship.

5.2 magnitude earthquake strikes near Karpathos and Rhodes

An undersea earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.2 rocked the tourist hotspot of Rhodes today. The quake occurred off the island of Karpathos in...

‘When I say I’m Greek, I think of Kastellorizo’: Kazzie of the year Lilliane Gomatos

Kazzie of the Year, Lilliane Gomatos speaks about her love for Kastellorizo and her vision to instil her passion to future generations.