Experts’ committee in Greece recommends cancellation of holiday events amid fears of Omicron variant

A “blue chip” committee of public health experts and epidemiologists has reportedly recommended to the Greek government that all mass outdoor holiday events be cancelled in the country ahead of Christmas and New Years celebrations.

The recommendation comes amid heightened concerns over a resurgent Covid-19 pandemic on the back of the Omicron variant, with statistical models unveiled this week pointing to a “fourth wave” of the outbreak as soon as next month.

Another recommendation is for mandatory tests on travelers arriving in the country on their second and fourth day after arrival; the mandatory wearing of face masks public indoors and outdoors spaces, and the mandatory wearing of KN-95 masks in mass transit and super markets.

If the recommendation is accepted, the responsibility for cancelling Christmas events will fall on municipalities and not the central government.