“Omikron is in our country,” Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris told an extraordinary press conference on Thursday, announcing at the same time the obligation to wear veils outside and supermarkets and public transport respirators. Public celebrations are also prohibited. Further tightening is expected on January 2, when sports and cultural events are likely to be reduced.
–
Schools in Greece are expected to open after the holidays on January 10; the government is preparing to change the rules for them, but has not yet stated which one.
–
The new measures also apply to arrivals in Greece. Whoever comes from abroad will have to do a PCR or antigen test on the second and fourth day.
–
In Spain on Thursday, the government decided at an extraordinary meeting on the obligation to wear veils outside. They will be mandatory for all people over the age of six, but they will not have to be worn in nature, in the mountains, on beaches or in sports. People will have to keep them outside if they cannot keep a safe distance of 1.5 meters from the others.
–
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez talked with Spanish leaders about tightening restrictions on Wednesday, Reuters reported. Some did not agree with them, others considered them insufficient. Catalonia has been introducing a curfew between 1:00 and 06:00 since Christmas Day.
–
Other steps announced by the Prime Minister include an offer to send forces to assist in vaccinations in individual regions and to vacate beds in military hospitals. He also authorized the release of anti-cancer tests for professional use for temporary sale in pharmacies, in order to address their shortage.
–
In Spain, 80 percent of the population is vaccinated against covid-19, and a booster dose is also rapidly underway. After the launch of the omicron variant, the number of infected people began to rise sharply, with Spain recording a record 60,041 new cases on Wednesday. The 14-day incidence, ie the number of infected people per 100,000 in two weeks, reached 784, which is 78 percent more than a week ago, the newspaper El País said. However, according to experts he contacted, these are cosmetic and insufficient measures.
–
Malta is also tightening, banning all events where it stands, except weddings and funerals, from 27 December. Cinemas, restaurants, theaters and sports venues will only be open to the vaccinated from 17 January. Sports matches continue, but without spectators.
–
From 27 December, Denmark will require a negative covid test under 72 hours, at least until 17 January, regardless of whether they are vaccinated. This does not apply to Danish citizens and residents. Similar measures are already in place in Finland and Sweden.
–
Italy is also planning to introduce veils
The Italian government approved on Thursday the tightening of anti-pandemic measures in an effort to slow down the spread of coronavirus. She ordered the wearing of FFP2 respirators in public places such as theaters, cinemas, sporting events, but also public transport. From the end of December, only people with completed vaccinations or confirmation of illness will be able to go to cinemas, museums and gyms.
–
In addition, the validity of medical cards giving access to a number of places and services is to be reduced from nine months to six months after the completion of vaccination. It should be possible to take the third dose four months after the completion of the vaccination. The statement added that Italy was also considering closing discos and clubs until New Year’s Eve.
–
Italy registered 36,293 new infections on Wednesday, the highest number in more than a year and more than double the number infected two days ago.
—
