The end of the obligatory use of the mask outdoors is now a fact from tomorrow, Thursday! This was announced during today's briefing on the coronavirus by the Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias.
At the same time, he announced that from Monday the traffic ban will cease to apply.
Specifically, from Monday 28 June the following measures come into force:
The lifting of the measure of restriction of night traffic (curfew).
Exemption of fully vaccinated workers from the obligation to perform self-test in workplaces and athletes in gyms, 15 days after the completion of the vaccination (and the second dose if it is a two-dose vaccine).
Also, the protocol in the restaurant changes with an increase of the maximum attendance limit up to ten (10) people per table, from six (6) people that is valid today.
Regarding the operation of the outdoor reception areas, it is confirmed that the maximum number of people will be 300 people, as already announced with the existing health protocols.
Regarding the operation of the organized beaches / beaches, a maximum number of one hundred and twenty (120) people is defined per 1,000 sq.m. beach area with controlled entrance.
This is a new relaxation of restrictive measures, which confirms the improvement of the epidemiological picture of our country in combination with the vaccinations in our country, which are progressing at a steady pace.
The announcements of Nikos Hardalias in detail:
Good evening.
The overall epidemiological picture of the country is still improving, as the relevant indicators show, while the vaccination is progressing. This creates the necessary conditions for us to proceed with the removal of additional restrictive measures.
Following today's meeting of the Infectious Diseases Committee, I would like to inform you about the following:
Regarding the request for the suspension of the obligation to use a mask outdoors where there is no gathering or gathering, the members of the Committee, after an interactive discussion, unanimously suggested the following:
Maintaining the mandatory use of the mask indoors without exceptions.
Maintaining the mandatory use of the mask outdoors, with the sole exception of outdoor areas where there is no congestion.
The above is valid from tomorrow.
While the following measures will take effect from Monday 28 June:
The lifting of the measure of restriction of night traffic (curfew).
Exemption of fully vaccinated workers from the obligation to perform self-test in workplaces and athletes in gyms, 15 days after the completion of the vaccination (and the second dose if it is a two-dose vaccine).
Also, the protocol in the restaurant changes with an increase of the maximum attendance limit up to ten (10) people per table, from six (6) people that is valid today.
Regarding the operation of the outdoor reception areas, it is confirmed that the maximum number of people will be 300 people, as already announced with the existing health protocols.
Regarding the operation of the organized beaches / beaches, a maximum number of one hundred and twenty (120) people is defined per 1,000 sq.m. beach area with controlled entrance.
Regarding requests for competence of the Ministry of Interior, the members of the Committee, after an interactive discussion, unanimously suggested the following:
Vaccinated and unvaccinated, civil servants belonging to high-risk groups (category B), can return to work in person.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated, civil servants belonging to high-risk groups (category A) may also return to work in person, but in positions that have no contact with the public.
Especially for the medical staff, the Administration of each health formation will judge their utilization in the appropriate positions depending on the risk category to which they belong.
The way of serving the public in public services is being redefined. The service of the public should be done preferably, but not exclusively, after a scheduled appointment, always observing the protection measures and the rules that apply to the retail trade (1 person per 16 sq.m.), for the number of served citizens and the obligatory use a mask even outdoors if queues are observed.
It is worth noting that the epidemiological data present an improved picture, with mainland Greece showing a steady downward trend in all epidemiological indicators. The picture is similar in our islands, where the epidemiological burden remains low. But there are 4 areas that create a little concern. We observe in these areas small increases of cases and new influxes at the same time that throughout Greece the indices are falling. Therefore, it would be good for the residents of Paros (yellow), Kos (orange), Rhodes (yellow) and Ikaria (green) to continue to be especially careful in observing the measures, so as not to change level and continue the good epidemiological picture observed throughout the country.
Our daily life changes again, as in the next few days measures that were an integral part of it for months cease to apply. But no matter how much we look forward to our new regularity, no matter how much we want to leave the pandemic behind, it is essential to remember that this time has not yet come. And that as long as the pandemic continues, we remain vigilant and continue to implement sanitary measures and protocols.
Thank you.
