Greece prepares to welcome 2022 with caution

While everyone’s wish is to re-embrace and kiss again with family and friends, for now it is safe to avoid kisses and hugs.

Especially in the current holiday season and with the super-contagious variant “omicron” spreading rapidly,  it is necessary to minimize complacency and strict observance of protective measures.

If we choose to celebrate in a nightclub we must know the following:

-The operation of the stores on New Year’s Eve (31.12.2021) is until 02:00.

-Music is forbidden.

-Up to six people per table.

Mandatory use of a high protection mask, by the store staff, as well as by customers when arriving, leaving and moving inside the store.

-Customers enter after a mandatory demonstration upon entry of a vaccination certificate or a disease certificate. Minors from four to 17 years old may, alternatively, submit a negative self-diagnosis statement (selftest).

Organized parties in private or public places are prohibited.

We choose the company that we will have fun with

Scientists pay special attention to our family and social contacts, in order to avoid further spread of the virus. They suggest that gathering should be small, to avoid people who show symptoms of possible infection. They also advise that you should not ignore the symptoms of the common cold (runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat) regardless of vaccination status. In fact, young people should be careful and avoid associating with vulnerable relatives.

In addition it is suggested:

• Avoid participating in meetings with people who show symptoms of possible COVID-19 infection regardless of laboratory confirmation (rapid test, PCR test) or have had close contact with confirmed cases.
• Meetings of small groups of people (social bubbles)
• If it is necessary to meet people belonging to vulnerable groups, it is recommended that “visitors” have taken all the proper measures, in order to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.

At all gatherings the measures of physical distance, use of mask, hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, adequate and systematic ventilation of the space should be taken into account.

– Indoor areas should be ventilated with fresh air for as long as possible.

Crowded areas should be avoided, even if they are outdoor, and the applicable mask use provisions should be applied.

-People who have been restricted due to high-risk contact with confirmed cases, as well as people with a positive diagnosis or with symptoms of possible COVID-19 infection should not participate in group meetings

-Even asymptomatic people with a recent negative diagnosis should continue to follow the prescribed protection measures.