COVID-19 Additional Restrictive Measures

As per the new restrictive measures announced on the 21^st December 2021, the following shall be applicable:

• the re-opening of schools after the Christmas holidays on 10 Januaryand upon the students' return, all students, teachers and other school staff must present a negative 72 hour-PCR laboratory test or 48-hour rapid antigen test.
• the extension of all other provisions of the Decree in force until 15 January 2022.
• as of 22 December 2021, all working people, who have completed their Covid-19 vaccinationscheme with the two doses of the two-dose vaccines and with one dose of the single-dose vaccines, or those who hold a certificate of recovery (180-day duration) are required to present a negative laboratory PCR test or a rapid antigen test valid for 7 days in order to enter their workplace. Individuals who have received the booster/3rd dose of the vaccine are excluded. If there is a transmission chain in a workplace, all members of the staff will be subject to a test without exceptions.
• as of 22 December 2021, before visiting other houses for the Christmas festivities, it is recommended that all citizens hold a rapid antigen testwith a negative result. Individuals who have received at least two doses of the vaccine may carry out a self-test, while for individuals who have not received any dose of the vaccine it is recommended that they carry out 48-hour rapid antigen tests. It is reminded that the maximum number of people allowed in a house is 20, including residents and underage children.
• the reduction of the time period of the COVID-19 disease certificatefrom 6 months (180 days) to 3 months (90 days) with effect from 31 January 2022. A relevant announcement will be made in the coming days.
• from 22 December 2021 until 6 January 2022, in view of the Christmas holidays, children aged 12-17will be able to enter catering establishments (including catering areas in shopping centres and hotels), theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas, performance spaces, closed and outdoor stadiums, weddings and christenings upon presentation of a negative laboratory PCR or Rapid test valid for 72 hours, provided that they are accompanied by a parent/guardian who has completed his/her vaccination scheme (two doses for the two-dose vaccines and one dose for the single-dose vaccines).
• for visitors and employees in day-care facilities for vulnerable groups and day centres housed in the same premises with senior people's homes and other closed care and accommodation structures for the elderly and for vulnerable groups, the same measures in force for senior people's homes and closed structures apply, following the instructions of the Ministry of Health and the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.