Greece: official removal of mandatory masks on public transport

From today, March 27, the mandatory use of masks in public transport is canceled, but some measures are still in place, according to the Greek Ministry of Health.

The Government Gazette published a government decree providing for the preservation of the use of masks and rapid tests for unvaccinated persons only in medical institutions – hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, diagnostic centers and rehabilitation centers. The use of protective masks by staff, patients and visitors is mandatory.

Personnel Requirements

With regard to unvaccinated middle and junior medical, administrative and auxiliary personnel returning to these institutions, as well as to closed social service institutions for the elderly, chronically ill and disabled, the following measures are applied:

1. Mandatory use of a high-protection respirator mask (FFP2 or N95 or KN95).
2. Performing a twice-weekly diagnostic test using the rapid COVID-19 antigen test in private diagnostic laboratories as defined in Decree 84/2001 (A’ 70) or in private clinics, pharmacies, or by a private doctor at his own expense .
3. In the event that personnel are infected with the coronavirus COVID-19, for the period of validity of the certificate of infection, in accordance with paragraphs. 3 article 7, it is obligatory to undergo a diagnostic test once a week using a rapid test for the antigen of the coronavirus COVID-19 in private diagnostic laboratories, as defined in Decree 84/2001, or in private clinics, pharmacies, or a private doctor at his own expense. After the expiration of the certificate of illness, the relevant personnel must undergo a diagnostic examination in accordance with the first paragraph. In all of the above cases, employees must submit the results of the diagnostic test to the head of the institution in which they work.

Requirements for patients

1. Patients who go to a public or private healthcare facility for testing are not subject to laboratory testing for COVID-19.
2. Patients applying to a public or private healthcare institution for an invasive examination or examination capable of causing aerosolization are subject to laboratory testing (PCR or rapid test) in accordance with paragraph 2. 3 of article 7. The application of this provision is determined by the Panhellenic Medical Association and Hellenic Dental Federation.
3. Patients admitted to a public or private health facility are subject to mandatory laboratory testing as follows:

• patients admitted on a regular coupon (scheduled appointment) must submit a PCR performed no later than forty-eight (48) hours before the scheduled appointment;
• patients admitted for emergency reasons (emergency hospitalization) are subject to immediate express testing and simultaneous PCR on the first day of their hospitalization;
• in both cases above, testing is repeated using rapid testing every 7 days.

For accompanying patients

Fully vaccinated, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 7 and ill within the last six months, in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 7, accompanying patients are not subject to laboratory control before entering a public or private institution providing primary health care services, including public and private clinics.

Unvaccinated and not ill companions undergo a laboratory test (PCR or rapid test) within 48 hours before admission.

Accompanying hospitalized patients, regardless of vaccination or disease status, in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 7, respectively, are subject to laboratory control (PCR within 72 hours or rapid test within 48 hours) before entering any public or private healthcare facility. The laboratory test is repeated every three days.

In the above cases, the results of laboratory tests are confirmed through the special Covid Free GR application of article 33 of Law 4816/2021 (A’118). Accompanying patients entering the emergency department are exempt from the above obligations.

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