Tighter restrictions for those who are unvaccinated from Saturday 6 November
COVID-19
03 Nov 2021
/ 11:54
From Saturday 6 November new restrictions will be in place for those who have not been vaccinated.
Minister of Health Thanos Plevris announced tightening of restrictions following the new record high in the number of cases.
Nationwide measures
All unvaccinated employees in the private and public sectors will be required to take two Covid tests per week (rapid or PCR) at their own cost.
Unvaccinated people will need to produce a negative rapid or PCR test to enter banks, public offices, retail outlets, mixed entertainment venues (outdoors) and hairdressers.
Exceptions
This rule will not apply to food stores, supermarkets, bakeries and religious spaces (apart from those working there, who require a test).
The Minister also recommended that masks be used by everyone - vaccinated and unvaccinated - in indoor and outdoor spaces where there is a large number of people.
Heavier fines
Mr. Plevris said that there will be heavier fines for violations and increased checks on vaccination and recovery certificates and negative test results as well as identity checks.
Business owners could face fines of €5,000 and having their premises closed for 15 days for violations.
Plevris said there will be “zero tolerance for those who admit unvaccinated people” without a negative test into areas that are covered by the relevant restrictions, like bars and restaurants. Business owners could face fines of €5,000 and having their premises closed for 10 days for breaking the rules. "At this point our main weapon is vaccination," he said.
The Minister said that over 85% of ICU patients are unvaccinated and that vaccination rates must increase. Those for whom 6 months have passed since being vaccinated now need to have the third shot.
He said that the vaccination campaign will be extended and there will be ongoing updates and text messages sent out.
Nationwide measures
All unvaccinated employees in the private and public sectors will be required to take two Covid tests per week (rapid or PCR) at their own cost.
Unvaccinated people will need to produce a negative rapid or PCR test to enter banks, public offices, retail outlets, mixed entertainment venues (outdoors) and hairdressers.
Exceptions
This rule will not apply to food stores, supermarkets, bakeries and religious spaces (apart from those working there, who require a test).
The Minister also recommended that masks be used by everyone - vaccinated and unvaccinated - in indoor and outdoor spaces where there is a large number of people.
Heavier fines
Mr. Plevris said that there will be heavier fines for violations and increased checks on vaccination and recovery certificates and negative test results as well as identity checks.
Business owners could face fines of €5,000 and having their premises closed for 15 days for violations.
Plevris said there will be “zero tolerance for those who admit unvaccinated people” without a negative test into areas that are covered by the relevant restrictions, like bars and restaurants. Business owners could face fines of €5,000 and having their premises closed for 10 days for breaking the rules. "At this point our main weapon is vaccination," he said.
The Minister said that over 85% of ICU patients are unvaccinated and that vaccination rates must increase. Those for whom 6 months have passed since being vaccinated now need to have the third shot.
He said that the vaccination campaign will be extended and there will be ongoing updates and text messages sent out.
