Greek Government mulling restrictions after Christmas holidays to curb Covid

Health Minister Thanos Plevris said Wednesday the government is considering imposing some restrictions after the holiday season to control the spread of the coronavirus.

The government on Tuesday stopped short of imposing a registered rapid test for everyone at a pharmacy or testing center before entering entertainment venues on New Year’s Eve, choosing instead to call for a self-test for the unvaccinated and a “strong recommendation” to get tested for those who have completed their inoculation.

“It is a clear position of the government — the expert committee is currently meeting — that after the holidays there will definitely be a framework of restrictive measures,” the minister said during a debate in Parliament over a Health Ministry provisions on the pandemic on Wednesday.

The new recommended measures may also affect travelers as they include suggestions that people who have entered Greece should have to undergo mandatory testing (rapid or PCR) on the 2^nd and 4^th day after their arrival.

New measures for the period after New Year’s Day are also expected to be discussed next week according to the same information. Early ideas include fresh restrictions on opening hours for stores, limiting the amount of people per square footage in close spaces, and increasing remote working.