Press Releases

Following the decisions of the Council of Ministers, dated 20 April and 10 May 2022, concerning the lifting of the restrictive measures against COVID-19, theMinistry of Health informs that as of 15 May 2022, the following shall enter into force:

a) Suspension of the obligation to present a Safe Pass in all areas.

Visits to Senior People’s homes, closed structures, outpatient clinics, medical and diagnostic centres, clinics, rehabilitation centres and accommodation centres are excluded. A 48-hour Rapid test or a 72-hour PCR will be required forpersons who do not hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate, and no obligation for persons holding a valid vaccination or recovery certificate.

b) Visits to patients in public and private hospitals with a maximum of 2 persons per day are allowed, with the presentation of a 24-hour Rapid test(1 person per visit).

• It is understood that in extremely urgent cases the number of people and visits may be increased, provided that approval is obtained from the management of the hospital.

c) Presentation ofa SafePass by the employees in hospitals, clinics, medical centers, rehabilitation centers, Senior People’s homes and closed structures for care and accommodation for vulnerable groups.

• For persons who do not hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate, a 48-hour Rapid test or a 72-hour PCR is required.

• For persons who hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate, self-testing is recommended once a week.

d) Suspension of the obligation for self-isolation for persons who are close contacts of a confirmed positive case and do not hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate.

• As of 15 May 2022, individuals who are subject to self-isolation as close contacts of a confirmed positive case will be able to be released.

• Certificates of absence from work for public health reasons, due to close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive case, will only be issued for dates up to and including 14 May 2022.

e) The obligation for children under 12 years of age to wear a protective mask is suspended.

• It is clarified that children over the age of 12 who attend primary education are not required to wear a protective mask at school.

• It is clarified that children under the age of 12 who attend secondary education are required to wear a protective mask atschool.

• It is stressed that for all persons over the age of 13 the obligation to use a protective mask applies only to indoor places.

f) itis recommended that all citizens, regardless of vaccination history, undergo a self-test or Rapid test once a week.

• Citizens with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive self-test should contact their Personal Doctor and be referred for a free PCR test.

• Citizens who are declared as close contact of a confirmed positive case will receive a message from the Ministry of Health to conduct a free test on the 3^rd and 5^th day after the contact, which will be carried out in clinical laboratories contracted with the Ministry of Health. Contracted clinical laboratories: https://bit.ly/3Lc4y0E

• Citizens who wish to undergo a Rapid test should contact clinical laboratories and pharmacies, with the cost being borne by themselves.

• Mobile units of the Ministry of Health will carry out sample checks only on weekends for the purpose of epidemiological surveillance of the population and will be accessible to all citizens regardless of vaccination history.

• It is reminded that as of 22 April 2022, a maximum price limit has been set on the packaging of 5 self-tests at the price of EUR 6.

g) Increase of capacity in restaurants, entertainment establishments, dance and music venues, events including weddings and christenings, churches, places of religious worship, conferences, trade fairs, stadiums and casinos.

• For premises up to 500 sq. metres at 100% of the capacity and premises of more than 500 sq.metres at 85% of the capacity.

h) Suspension of the obligationto demonstrate a SafePass for pupils/students attending all school levels.

i) Suspension of the “test-to-stay” measure for pupils/students and teachers in Primary and Secondary Education as well as in kindergartens and the National Guard.

Instructions for confirmed COVID-19 cases:

• Greek: https://bit.ly/3PgKDB5
• English: https://bit.ly/37H3V1G

Instructions for close contacts of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases: 

• Greek: https://bit.ly/3PgKDB5
• English: https://bit.ly/3swksfV

(MPO/NG)