The Greek government has no plans to introduce additional security measures before the Christmas and New Year holidays, nor will it require those who go out to take a registered rapid test at a pharmacy or test center before attending meetings. This became clear after a cabinet meeting in Athens, the online edition of the newspaper Kathimerini reported.
According to the decisions discussed at the virtual meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, citizens will be encouraged to test before and after attending Christmas and New Year gatherings and parties, and two free kits will be distributed over the next few days.
Self-test kits will be available at pharmacies for people with a Social Security Number (AMKA). The idea replaces the original plan to require everyone - unvaccinated and vaccinated - to show evidence of a negative rapid test when visiting bars, restaurants and clubs during the holiday season.
"It is true that I was advised to introduce mandatory rapid tests for all to access places for recreation and entertainment. I rejected the proposal because I believe the measure will be unfair to those vaccinated and will ultimately be too difficult to implement, "said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at a cabinet meeting convened to discuss measures to prevent a new outbreak.
The prime minister referred to a "two-phase plan" in which the first stage envisages testing citizens before and after rallies to ensure they do not spread the virus. "We want to spend the holidays safe without stopping the economy and society, and without having to pay for our holiday activities after that," Mitsotakis explained.
He also called on people to take the initiative to be tested before each gathering as an additional precaution, regardless of their vaccination status.
The second phase of the plan, the prime minister explained, will begin after the holidays and will depend on the country's performance. "Everything will depend on the data at the moment. "Nothing has been decided yet," he said.
Mitsotakis said the restrictions could be introduced in the first few weeks of the new year, including expanding schemes for working from home and changing the opening hours of bars and restaurants, but ruled out closing schools.
"Tests and basic precautions are our protection. And our position today will determine the decisions made tomorrow, "Mitsotakis added.
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