Only those who can show proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to enter indoor bars, restaurants and entertainment venues in Greece starting September.
The Delta variant continues to drive COVID-19 in Greece. With the country currently in a fourth round of the pandemic the Greek government will soon ask businesses to verify their patrons' vaccination status before they are allowed to eat or drink indoors. People could have a negative test before if they did not have the jab, but now only those who are vaccinated will be allowed in. To allow Greece's vaccine campaign to gain momentum, the measures will be in effect from September 13 to March 31.
Similar rules will apply to public transport networks. People don't have to be vaccinated in order to visit museums, archaeological sites, and theaters. However, they will need a negative test result to gain entry. These rules are applicable to both adults and children aged 12-17 years.
Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Images: Unvaccinated persons will be prohibited from eating or drinking indoors at restaurants, bars and clubs Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Images
Vassilis Kikilias (health minister) stated that the duty of the state was to protect the public's health. He did so by citing these statements. It is our duty towards our fellow citizens who lost before the vaccine, those who spent nights in hospitals caring for patients, and those who have been vaccinated to build immunity.
According to the Associated Press, Greece has seen a record number infected this week. This is more than March's peak. Hospitalizations and deaths have increased along with the case numbers. The country hopes the vaccination campaign will help protect against the worst effects of the virus. More than 5.6 million people have been fully vaccinated in Greece to date.
Continue reading: The best time to visit Greece
Here's the scoop on how these new measures might impact your trip to Greece in 2019.
Visitors do not need to have been vaccinated in order to visit the archaeological sites of Greece. However, they must present proof that they have passed a negative test if they aren't vaccinated Lucian Milasan/Shutterstock
Do I need to provide proof of vaccination?
If you want to enter a restaurant, bar or club in Greece, you will need to present proof. It will also be required to show it at entertainment venues or open-air sporting stadiums. You can also show evidence of recent recovery from the virus if you wish to eat or drink indoors. You don't have to show proof of vaccination if you visit museums, archaeological sites such as the Acropolis or theaters in Greece. However, you must present a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry if you are not vaccinated. This result can be obtained from a rapid antibody test that was completed within 48 hours. The health minister stated that venues will have the right not to allow visitors who aren't vaccinated.
If you are planning to travel to Greece by boat, plane, or long-distance bus, you will need to provide proof of your vaccinations, recovery, or a negative COVID-19 result. Children aged between 5 and 12 years old will need to submit a negative self test certificate. The results can be uploaded here.
Required vaccinations or certification of recovery for members of sports clubs and gyms are also required.
Before anyone boards boats or long-distance public transport networks, their COVID-19 status will be checked.
How do I show proof?
Visitors to Greece with an EU digital COVID certificate may use it to gain entry into venues. In Greece, official health certificates from Schengen zone countries can also be recognized. According to the US Embassy, you can present either your electronic or printed vaccination certificate if you are coming from outside the EU. It advises that people be patient with businesses trying to comply with Greek health regulations and have a Plan B in case they need to go to another business. All relevant information must be included on all certificates (number of doses and dates, etc.). and can be presented in Greek, English or German.
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How can I get tested for HIV?
The tests are readily available in Greece. For those who have not been vaccinated, the cost of a rapid test will be 10 euros. For those who have been vaccinated, they are free.
What vaccines is Greece able to recognize?
Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are all accepted in Greece. You must have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days since the last recommended dose.
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