Operation seduction for Greece before the summer.

In anticipation of the tourist season, Athens announced on Wednesday the lifting of the last measures against the coronavirus, specifying that the compulsory wearing of a mask and the presentation of the vaccination certificate in shops would no longer be required from June 1.

“Given the epidemiological data and the recommendations of experts, we are announcing the easing of measures against the Covid-19 pandemic,” announced the Minister of Health, Thanos Plevris.

"From May 1 to August 31", the vaccination certificate, the presentation of which was until now compulsory in restaurants, bars and shops, will no longer be requested, he told the press.

As for wearing a mask, it will no longer be compulsory in enclosed spaces from June 1.

The minister also announced “the suspension” from April 15 of the fine of 100 euros imposed so far on those over 60 who have not been vaccinated, a measure which had angered Greeks opposed to compulsory vaccination.

A vital season for the Greek economy

The Greek economy depends on tourism, which accounts for almost a quarter of its GDP.

In February, Athens had already started to ease the system put in place to stem the pandemic, by suspending the compulsory screening test for travelers arriving in Greece and in possession of a European vaccination certificate.

The latest health measures will however remain in place for the Orthodox Easter holidays, the biggest religious holiday in Greece celebrated this year on April 24, but the churches will be open to the public, said the minister.

Thanos Plevris also stressed that all measures to stem the pandemic should be reviewed on September 1, after the summer season.

The number of deaths and infections by variants of Covid-19 is still high in Greece, which has 10.7 million inhabitants.

On Tuesday, authorities recorded 64 deaths and 15,690 additional infections.

A total of 28,274 deaths and more than 3 million cases have been recorded since the start of the pandemic in February 2020.

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  • Greece

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