New rules were introduced in Greece to fight a spike in coronavirus infections, focusing on restricting unvaccinated people from entry into retail stores, banks, hair salons and outdoor cafes/restaurants without tests, and doubling the requirement for weekly tests at work.

The country confirmed 6,393, new coronavirus infections on Saturday and 43 deaths.

Over 450 patients are on ventilators according to the latest data. Their median age is 65 years and 81.3 pct have an underlying condition and/or are aged 70 or over. Just over 80 per cent of the total are unvaccinated or partly vaccinated, while the fully vaccinated make up around 17 per cent.

The new COVID-related regulations will be effective from Monday, 22 November.

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A full-vaccination certificate, or a certificate of having contracted Covid within the last six months, or negative rapid or PCR test results is required for entry to stores including malls, hair and beauty salons and wellness businesses, outdoor areas of eateries, luna parks, zoos, and entertainment areas.

Exceptions include pharmacies, churches, and supermarkets.

Restrictions were also imposed on workers in the public and private sectors, who must present a negative rapid or PCR test twice a week, instead of once as was required since the start of October. The first test must be done by November 8.

New regulations include the following:

Cafes and restaurants

Food-related places with indoor eating areas can operate on full (100%) seating capacity but only for people fully vaccinated or who have contracted Covid the last six months and carry related documentation. The restrictions include eating places in stoas, malls, and long-distance transportation stations.

Places that operate in the open air will be required to ask for either of the two certificates (full vaccination or Covid), or either of the tests (rapid or PCR).

People without full vaccination or recent Covid infection are not allowed in indoor hotel and airport food places that serve only hotel guests or travellers. Catered and indoor events in hotels are under the same restrictions.

Open markets, sports events

Open markets (laikes agores) are expected to keep a meter of space between the stalls, spreading to more streets if necessary.

Spectators at sports events must wear a mask at all times, otherwise the home team or organizers will be fined, and spectators banned from future games.

Workplaces, public services

High-risk staff may work from home or be placed in areas that do not require direct transactions with the public.

Appointments are required for public sector services, except for banks, courier services, the Hellenic Post Offices, the Public Power Corporation, Athens Water and Sewage, and such public utilities.

Entertainment places

Entertainment places, including receptions, music stages and music bars, may only allow fully vaccinated or people who have contracted Covid the last six months. The restrictions include indoor or outdoor spaces, and the certificates will be checked at the door.