Greece Considers Scrapping Covid Certificate for Restaurants
Greek authorities are considering the removal of most Covid-19 measures by Easter, including the need to present a vaccination certificate to enter restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
Infectious diseases expert and member of the government’s Covid management committee, Gkikas Magiorkinis said there may be no need to use of the Covid vaccination certificate during Holy Week ahead of Orthodox Easter on April 17.
However, the government still has to clarify whether this will apply to all spaces – indoor and outdoor.
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In an interview to public broadcaster ERT, Magiorkinis said as long as there was no pressure on the health system, there was no need for the use of the Covid certificate, but he went on to stress that “this could change if there is an increase in hospitalizations”.
In the meantime, infectious diseases professor Sotiris Tsiodras ruled out the need for a 4th booster shot against Covid-19 for non-vulnerable groups, adding however that the Omicron2 strain of the deadly virus was more infectious. He went on to stress the need for mask-wearing, particularly for high-risk citizens and in crowded areas such as hospitals and mass transport.
Tsiodras also did not rule out the possibility of a new Covid variant emerging and added that once the pandemic subsides, an annual Covid shot will be required.
On his part, Magiorkinis added that it will take a while before Covid-19 cases decline, adding that virus spread will continue into the summer but will be more manageable.
Lastly, he echoed Tsiodras, noting that according to assessments, experts expect a virus resurgence and renewed pressure on the public health system in October, in which case the use of the vaccination certificate will be reinstated.
Currently, unvaccinated individuals or those who have not completed their vaccination cycle (booster shot included) cannot enter nightclubs, indoor dining areas, theaters, cinemas, museums, conferences, exhibitions and gyms.
Greece recorded 23,529 new coronavirus cases on Monday and 58 deaths.
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