Mitsotakis: Indoors seating for vax recipients only; mandatory Covid-19 ‘jab’ ordered for healthcare staff, including private sector

The Greek government on Monday “tightened the screws” even more on a large minority of residents in the country that have so far declined to receive one of four available vaccines for the Covid-19 virus, with PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis himself announcing that indoor entertainment establishments will be open only for those vaccinated.

He also cited a handful of occupations where mandatory vaccinations for Covid-19 will be required, with those professionals facing  suspension or even a lay-off for refusal.

“Entertainment establishments” in this case also includes bars, cinemas and theaters, with the measure beginning on Friday and extending until at least the end of August.

More seating will also be allowed in indoor areas, but with a pre-determined number of people still mandated, based on the size of the business.

Mitsotakis, in yet another nationally televised address regarding the pandemic, said a business will simply check a digital application to certify whether a customer has been vaccinated or has previously contracted the virus.

In a bid to deflect what’s expected to be intense criticism, including by the political opposition, Mitsotakis said a similar practice is being followed by other European countries, such as Austria, Germany, Denmark and Luxembourg.

A prohibition on hosting and serving standing customers remains.

In terms of the first decision for “mandatory” vaccinations, Mitsotakis said the measure affects those employed in elderly care centers.

“Anyone that does not get it (vaccination) will be suspended as of August 16 and afterwards,” the Greek premier said, in announcing the date of implementation of the unprecedented, for post-war Greece, measure.

At the same time, he said the same obligation will apply to healthcare professionals in the private and public sector, beginning on Sept. 1.

“It’s inconceivable, for instance, for a non-vaccinated nurse to care for an immune system-suppressed cancer patient; I am certain that this decision finds the greater part of society in favor, and I am asking the political parties to back this measure without asterisks or apprehension,” he said, adding that a third category involves military personnel, who will be given incentives to get vaccinated at their bases and camps.