A package of public health measures concerning unvaccinated citizens, which will come into force from the autumn, with the aim of halting the pandemic, announced the Minister of Health Vassilis Kikilias. The acceleration of vaccinations and compliance with protective measures remains the main objective of the Ministry of Health, he stressed. Well over 90% of ICU patients are unvaccinated, Kikilias stressed, noting that hospitals will continue to serve all cases.
We need to keep vaccinating in order to reach 80%. That is, about 1 million citizens still need to be vaccinated, the minister explained, noting that our lives cannot be suspended as there is a choice and that is vaccination.
Without any extension, the suspension measure will apply from 1 September to health workers who are unvaccinated or do not have a 6-month certificate of infection. Compulsory vaccination also applies to private doctors and pharmacists. Workplaces, entertainment, culture, sports will now operate under new rules for vaccinated and non-vaccinated people, announced Mr. Kikilias. For entry into closed areas, an antigen or molecular test for unvaccinated persons, a certificate of infection or vaccination for vaccinated persons will be necessary. The price of the tests, he added, will be 10 euros. As far as students are concerned, two self-tests will be compulsory, while a test will be necessary for travellers in order to move.
As of 13 September in public covid diagnostic facilities, unvaccinated people will not be able to get a free test, i.e. they will have to pay for it in private diagnostic centres. Sanctions for non-compliance include suspension of work for employees, non-attendance at school for pupils and a travel ban for travellers.
