Masks everywhere from today - The 5 new measures for Covid19 that came into force this morning and the recommendations of the Council of Ministers

New measures apply from today to stop the spread of the coronavirus, based on the decisions taken yesterday by the Council of Ministers in an extraordinary meeting.

The 5 measures in force from today are the following:

• Admission to entertainment centers, music and dance centers, banquets, weddings, baptisms will be allowed only with the additional submission of a negative Rapid test 24 hours. It is reminded that entry is allowed only to vaccinated persons. Citizens who received the booster / 3rd dose of vaccine are excluded.
• Maximum 300 people for restaurants, entertainment centers and music and dance centers in compliance with health protocols and the maximum number of people per square meter in force. Citizens should be seated while dancing is prohibited. It is clarified that the measure for weddings and baptisms will be implemented from 3 January 2022.
• The presence of fans in the stadiums is determined at 50% of the capacity of the stadiums, with the mandatory use of a face mask. In case it is found after an inspection that the protection measures are not observed, the competent authorities will be able to revoke its operating license.
• Prohibition of all visits to public and private hospitals and closed structures, unless approved by the management after a negative 24-hour PCR laboratory test for emergencies and only exceptional cases. For visits to outpatient clinics of patients and attendants, it is required to present a negative Rapid test lasting 24 hours. Excluded are those who have received a booster / 3rd dose of vaccine.
• Change case management protocols COVID-19 and close contacts for healthcare professionals who have not received any vaccine dose, or have taken two doses for dual-dose vaccines or one dose for single-dose vaccine and the 7-month period has elapsed and they have not received the booster / 3rd dose. The confirmed close case contacts will be subjected to PCR on the 5th day and Rapid test on the 6th day with a negative result after their contact with the case to be released from the restriction. Positive coronavirus cases are entitled to undergo a Rapid test on the 6th and 7th day and if the result is negative to be released on the 8th day, provided that they do not show symptoms for a period of 48 hours (The decision concerns doctors, nurses and medical staff).

In addition the following are recommended:

• Like citizens use a double surgical mask or a high protection mask. (eg type KN95 or type FFP2).
• Avoid using a fabric face mask.
• It is reminded that the use of a protective face mask in all areas, indoors and outdoors is mandatory.
• Distance education and online examinations in higher education.