The Greek government announced new measures ahead of Christmas and New Year's Eve on Thursday to prevent infections with the new Omicron strain. "Omicron is in our country," Health Minister Thanos Plevris told a special conference on Thursday.
From Friday morning, masks will be mandatory in both indoor and outdoor areas - including churches. People will have to wear two sanitary masks or a KN95 mask in public transport or to go to the supermarket. See the guide on how to choose the right protective mask for you. Differences between masks FFP1 - FFP2 - FFP3 - KN95!
All public festivities planned by municipalities in the coming days are canceled to avoid overcrowding. The new recommended measures will also affect travelers who have entered Greece, and it is recommended that they undergo mandatory testing (rapid or PCR) on the second and fourth day of arrival.
Plevris also issued a "recommendation" for people to be tested before any meeting with friends and family. These measures, which will take effect on Friday, December 24, at 6:00 am and will continue until January 2. "It's enough to celebrate Christmas and New Year safely."
After January 3, the government will introduce more restrictive measures that will affect entertainment, sporting events and non-essential activities. However, the Greek Minister of Health said that a new lockdown would not be introduced.