Press Releases

a) as of 11 April 2022, the abolition of the mandatory use of a protective mask outdoors.
• It is reminded that for all inside/closed spaces, citizens are required to use a protective mask and keep the necessary distances.

• It is recommended that citizens use double surgical mask, or high protection mask (type ΚN95 or FFP2).

• The use of cloth masks should be avoided.

b) as of 11 April 2022, the abolition of Safe Pass in workplaces, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
• Employees in senior people’s homes, closed structures, hospitals, and medical centres and health professionals are excluded.

• Self-tests are recommended in case of symptoms onset.

c) as of 18 April 2022, the abolition of Safe Pass in retail trade and shopping malls (excluding catering areas within shopping malls).
• Catering areas within shopping malls, entertainment areas and areas where according to decree the use of a SafePass is required, are excluded.

• SafePass is required for spaces over 100 sq.m., where more than 25 people are gathered.

d) as of 11 April 2022, the automatic release of covid-positive persons from self-isolation on the 7th day, without a rapid antigen test, provided that they do not have active symptoms.
• The release of persons earlier than 7 days is possible with a negative PCR test result on the 5th day since the diagnosis and the cost shall be borne by themselves. Prior to traveling to a clinical laboratory, the confirmed positive case must inform the laboratory of the testing required, use a protective face mask, and keep all necessary distances. It is recommended that citizens use double surgical mask, or high protection mask (type ΚN95 or FFP2).

• The measure will also be applied to existing cases on 11 of April 2022.

• Special arrangements apply to closed structures, senior people’s homes and hospitals.

• A confirmed positive case with symptoms onset will be required to coordinate with their Personal Doctor to extend their sick leave.

e) as of 11 April 2022, the reduction of the self-isolation period from 7 to 5 days, for persons who are close contacts of a confirmed positive case and according to the Protocol shall be isolated, provided that they do not have active symptoms.
• A rapid antigen test on the 3rd and 5th day from the day of contact is required.
• The measure will also be applied in existing cases on 11 April 2022.
• Close contacts of a confirmed positive case who did not isolate from the case will remain in self-isolation until the case’s release on the 7th day.

f) as of 11 April 2022, the reduction of the time period of the “test to stay” measure (where applicable) from 7 to 5 days.
• The measure will also be applied in existing cases on 11 April 2022.
• Students who are contacts of a positive case within the family are excluded.
• Περισσότερες πληροφορίες για τη διαδικασία θα αναγράφονται στο δελτίο τύπου – “Σημεία test to stay σε σχολικές μονάδες και κλινικά εργαστήρια για τις 11 Απριλίου 2022”

g) as of 11 April 2022, the extension of the validity of the “test to stay” measure (where applicable) to afternoon extracurricular activities for students.
• More information on the procedure are written in the press release “Σημεία test to stay σε σχολικές μονάδες και κλινικά εργαστήρια για τις 11 Απριλίου 2022” (not available in English)

h) as of 11 April 2022, the abolition of Safe Pass presentation in businesses serving the public, as well as in Departments/Services of the state and wider state sector which serve the public, in archaeological sites, museums, historical sites, visual arts sites and galleries, in construction sites and businesses of similar activity, in flea markets, bazaars and festivals.
• A SafePass is also not required, regardless of sq.m., in pharmacies, supermarkets, food markets, butcher shops, fish markets, bakeries, confectionaries, fruit markets, kiosks and mini markets.

• A SafePass is required in gambling areas, casinos, hairdressing salons, barber shops, beauty and tattoo parlors, theaters, cinemas, show halls, fairgrounds, playgrounds, theme parks, catering areas, hotels, entertainment venues, event halls, and music venues.

• It is reminded that SafePass is required for spaces over 100 sq.m., where more than 25 people are gathered.
i) as of 11 April 2022, the increase of occupancy in theatres, cinemas and performance spaces to 100% of capacity.
j) as of 11 April 2022, teleworking at 25% in businesses and organisations of the public and wider public sector, as well as in local government authorities is recommended.
k) as of 11 April 2022, visits of relatives to public and private hospitals upon presentation of a 24-hour rapid antigen test is allowed (1 person per visit).
• Visiting hours must be strictly followed.

l) as of 2 May 2022, students returning to schools must present a 48-hour rapid antigen test and then a 7-day Rapid test.

m) as of 11 April 2022, group camps are permitted upon presentation of a SafePass.

n) as of 15 April 2022, positive diagnoses, deaths and hospitalisations shall be announced on a weekly basis.

(ΑP)