Athens: Greece will ask customers at the Indoor Restaurant, Bar and Cafe to prove that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 or have been tested negatively in the last three days, the government announced on Tuesday to fight a surge in infection.
Under new regulations, which will remain valid until August, all customers at the bar and restaurant in the room must sit.
Outdoor eating will not require proof of vaccination or test.
“It is very important not to give the impression that we lose control of the pandemic so that our tourism industry can continue to run and operate normally,” Minister of Development, Adonis Georgiadis, said at a press conference.
“Greek economic courses will depend on how well we obey the steps and control the pandemic.” The application launched by the government, Covid Free Gr, which can scan European digital vaccination certificates or PCR results or fast tests, will be available for companies to ensure compliance.
Public and private sector entrepreneurs will have the right to ask employees whether they have been vaccinated.
Greece bet on the resurrection of the tourism sector this summer, but is worried about a surge in infection driven by a very contagious Delta variant.
About 41% of Greeks are fully vaccinated so far, while tourists need to show that they have been vaccinated or present a negative PCR test to enter the country.
Greece reported 2,065 new Covid-19 infections and 10 deaths on Monday, with total infection since the first case was detected in February last year to 440,872 and the death toll of 12,802.
The daily count might reach 3,000 on Tuesday, officials said.
The Minister of Health, Vassilis Kikilias, said the nursing home staff would have until August 16 to get at least the first photo shoot, the size of the prime minister was announced on Monday.
The same will be needed by medical staff and nurses in all hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers in 1.
Those who refuse to obey will not be able to work and will not be paid.
Clinics found breaking the size will face a fine of 50,000 euros.