Greece tightens measures, France imposes 3 days of work from home (Overview)

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Greeks wear masks outdoors in central Athens. PHOTO: Reuters

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Thousands of flights canceled due to sick staff

Greece is introducing new austerity measures against the coronavirus, which will take effect on January 3rd and last until the 16th, local media reported.

Wearing masks with a high degree of protection will be mandatory in supermarkets, public transport and restaurants in the country. The restaurants will be able to accommodate up to 6 people at one table, and nightclubs will be open until midnight. The audience of sporting events will be able to be up to 10% of all seats.

Greece is setting new records for those infected with the omicron variant – nearly 70% of cases in the Attica region around the capital Athens. 9,284 newly infected people were registered in the country on Monday, but it was expected to exceed 15,000 on Tuesday, which would lead to even tougher measures.

Before the Christmas holidays, the authorities banned celebrations and

imposed

wearing

on two masks

or one

with a high degree

of protection

in public transport and grocery stores, but due to the growing number of patients, restrictions are increasing.

New measures are also being voted on in France. There, the authorities are proposing the introduction of a “vaccination passport”, which will completely replace health and will require proof of vaccination. If adopted, it will take effect on January 15.

The deadline for setting a booster dose in France is shortened to three months compared to the previous four. The aim is to take adequate measures against

fast

distribution

and omicron,

French Prime Minister Jean Castex was quoted as saying by Reuters. The consumption of food and beverages in long-distance vehicles is also prohibited.

Working from home will become mandatory at least three days a week, when possible, added Castex.

It also became clear that there would be no evening time on New Year’s Eve. However, all public events will be limited to 2,000 people, if indoors, and to 5,000 outdoors. In addition, masks will be worn outdoors in city centers, and food and beverages in bars and restaurants will have to be consumed only by seated customers.

“I know it all looks like a film that has no end, but a year ago we started our vaccination campaign, and now we are one of the most vaccinated and best protected nations in the world,” he said.

Unlike other countries, schools in France are scheduled to open on January 3rd as the country struggles with the fifth wave of the pandemic.

In Berlin, strict measures for gathering people were introduced even before the holidays. Up to three unvaccinated citizens can gather in groups of up to ten if they have been immunized or become ill. This does not apply to children under the age of 14. Going to work in person, as well as the use of public transport is allowed only for vaccinated, sick, or with a negative test, which is valid for the next 24 hours.

Clubs and

discos

remain

closed

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reduced quarantine for coronavirus patients from 14 to 10 days. This is due to the high number of patients with the new omicron, which makes it difficult to perform daily activities. People with a positive test who have no symptoms will now be isolated for only 5 days, instead of 10.

They will be required to wear masks and maintain a social distance for another five days after their quarantine is over. According to the new rules

quarantine

falls away completely

for contact

persons with placed

booster dose

“The new rules balance what we know about the spread of the virus, as well as the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses,” said Dr. Rochelle Valensky of the United States.

According to scientists, asymptomatic patients should take at least a quick antigenic test, which should be negative, but at the moment the institute does not consider it necessary.

Similar measures have been imposed by the Government of the Republic of South Africa. There, however, the quarantine for asymptomatic patients was abolished altogether.

The numerous canceled flights during the holidays also caused general chaos. As of Friday, their number has exceeded 8,000, and on Tuesday alone it is over 2,200. This is due to positive tests for staff coronavirus, which blocks many people at airports and leaves them no alternative. American and Chinese flights are most affected.

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