Greece on Tuesday announced a two-tier system for vaccinated and recovered from Covid citizens, as well as for non-vaccinated citizens in the entertainment, food and recreation sectors. The unbundling measures, in the first place, provoked a violent reaction from the restaurant owners.
Under the new measures, restaurants, cinemas and theaters, for example, which opt for the “immunity only” model, will be allowed to increase their capacity to 85%, while the so-called “mixed zones” are limited to operate at 50% of their capacity.
At a press conference, Minister of State Giorgos Gerapetrit and Minister of Development Adonis Georgiadis said the new structure is following the recommendations of the National Bioethics Committee and in collaboration with the Committee on Infectious Diseases.
Therefore, two modes of operation of open and closed enterprises are introduced:
A. Covid-free spaces. Places for those who have acquired immunity, i.e. have been vaccinated with two doses of the drug or a single vaccine and 14 days have passed since their last shot, or have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past six (6) months.
B. Mixed spaces. The seats are available for those who have acquired immunity, as in “mixed rooms” – plus for those who have tested negative for Covid-19 using molecular PCR or a rapid test in the past 48 hours.
At the meeting points it is necessary to indicate whether they will work according to option A or B from July 15, on a special electronic platform and have a special sign at the entrance.
The meeting places are divided into four categories:
Indoor spaces, except for entertainment centers (cinemas, theaters, restaurants, cafes). Outdoor entertainment areas with seating (live performances and performances). Indoor and outdoor entertainment centers (music centers, clubs). Indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
Special:
A. Indoor premises, except for entertainment venues (cinemas, theaters, restaurants, cafes).
From July 1 for cinemas, from July 15 for the rest.
Premises designated as category A operate with a maximum coverage of 85% of their capacity and without the use of masks.
Premises that have been declared category B operate at a maximum coverage of 50% of their capacity, with the mandatory use of a face mask and a negative rapid test result within the last 48 hours. Minors need a negative self-test as reported by their parents.
Theaters and cinemas with the obligatory use of a mask, regardless of the category.
B. Outdoor Recreation Areas, Except Stadiums (Live and Auditions).
Minister of State Gerapetritis said the measures have three objectives:
Serve the big vaccination project. Create a comprehensive network of public health protection in areas with a high population density. Gradually return freedom to those who have been vaccinated.
He assures that the personal data and rights of citizens will be fully respected. The Minister concluded that the need to strengthen immunity and restore our freedoms is overwhelming.
Reaction
There have already been the first negative reactions in the restaurant sector, and one of Greece’s top chefs expressed strong objection.
“My job is not to control clients,” Lefteris told Lazarou news247 and stressed: “It is not possible for restaurant and cafe owners to ask their customers for vaccination certificates.”
“This is not my job, I don’t have time for this, it’s not my job to control visitors at the entrance, my restaurant is clean,” said Lazarou.
“What happens if vaccinated and unvaccinated clients start a fight at the entrance?” he asked during an interview with the state-run ERT television channel.
Lazarou stressed that attention should be focused on convincing citizens to get vaccinated.
PS While vaccination is not compulsory, no one can be subjected to political, social or other pressure to get vaccinated if he / she does not want to.
It is impossible to divide citizens by medical cards. What about those who cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons?
What other changes should be expected in democratic Greece? Hotels and beaches, lounges, buses and ferries for the vaccinated and unvaccinated, a bracelet or label on clothing for the immune?
It should be recalled that when the vaccination law was passed in parliament, it was clearly stated that “vaccination is not compulsory” and “no distinction can be made”.
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