Answers to key questions concerning the coronavirus are given today in an announcement by the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry clarifies, among other things, why shopping malls, department stores and other large stores remain open, while restaurants are open until 7 pm and why it was decided to ban traffic at 9 pm - and not later - to keep restaurants open.
In relation to shopping malls, department stores and other large stores, which remained open, the Ministry of Health states that in department stores and shopping malls, people do not remain crowded and stable in one place, but move and stay in the same place for a short time. time period.
In addition, he notes that within shopping malls / department stores, the use of a mask by citizens is mandatory throughout the stay inside the premises.
For restaurants, he said that after the detection of consecutive cases in restaurants, it was difficult to locate the close contacts of the cases, to limit and track them, while he adds that according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the ECDC, restaurants have an increased risk of transmitting the virus, while at the same time their operation falls within the general philosophy of measures to limit mobility and contacts.
Regarding the curfew at 9 pm and not later, so that the restaurants remain open, the competent Ministry states that the curfew was decided on the basis of the broader approach to reduce travel and consequently contacts, while adding that It was judged that the start of the curfew at 9 pm gives society the opportunity to function as normally as possible.
Regarding the maximum number of people allowed in churches / places of religious worship, which was set at 75 persons, he clarifies that the operation of churches / places of religious worship is already governed by a protocol and specific instructions.
In particular, he notes, among other things, that the faithful are seated and use a mask throughout their presence in the temple / place of religious worship.
As for the maximum number of persons that can be found in a temple, it was set at 75 people, it is clarified that the maximum limit of 75 people concerns the interiors of temples, since the courtyards of places of worship are considered public spaces, where under the Decree, the gathering of persons is prohibited.
At the same time, he states that the number of attendees also depends on the square meters of a church / place of religious worship, adding that "if a church has 60 sq.m., the maximum number of people who can attend is 20 people, if one area of religious worship is 450 sq.m., regardless of the square meters, the allowed number of attendees is 75 people ".
In response to what is the maximum number of people who can attend a funeral both in church and at the funeral, the Ministry of Health states that the maximum number of people who can attend a funeral is 10 people, while the limit of a total of 10 applies to both the ritual part of the funeral in the church (internally and externally) and the burial in the cemetery.
For dog walks after 9pm, he mentions that one can take his dog for a walk after 9pm, meaning that the walk will be limited outside the home and will not be away from the neighborhood for a reasonable amount of time.
When asked if we can go to the airport to transfer or pick up passengers after 9 pm, the Ministry of Health replies that "provided that there will be proof (ticket) with the time and date of departure / arrival, travel after at 9 pm and for the time required to travel to / from the airport ".
For people in the population groups who will be given priority for vaccination, how to access the vaccine and whether one can buy the vaccine privately, as is the case with the Influenza A vaccine, he says that the vaccines that are in the final stages. stage for licensing and circulation are prepared with very specific technologies.
"The availability of the vaccine will depend on the production rate of each company, while their transport and storage will be done with specific specifications that will be set by the manufacturer during their licensing. "Specifically for new technology vaccines such as Pfizer, storage and transport are governed by very specific and sensitive conditions and will be stored in refrigerators and specially designed areas, and will be transported to the vaccination points with a specific procedure", he explains.
Furthermore, he adds that the Government's intention for full vaccination coverage of the population, in case it is a matter of Public Health, and a vaccination mechanism will be activated through the Vaccination Centers that already exist in our country, taking into account the availability and partial deliveries of vaccines. by prioritizing the categories they should receive, for free.
Finally, it states that the marketing of a medicinal product in the private sector depends on the intention of the Marketing Authorization Holder, after ensuring a maximum wholesale price and ensuring its safe distribution and dispensation.
Source: KYPE