Greece Covid-19 Health Experts Say ‘No’ to Carnival Events

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Greek health experts ruled against carnival activities this week, citing the persistently high number of incidents and deaths from Covid-19.

The country’s Covid committee which convened on Wednesday recommended that restrictions at bars, cafes and restaurants remain in place, adding however that there would no longer be a cap on seated individuals at food and entertainment venues. Table distancing and hygiene measures however are still in effect, they said.

The government is expected to announce its decision with regard to carnival events in the coming days after assessing data and expert guidance. 

Speaking on SKAI radio on Thursday, epidemiologist Charalambos Gogos said the committee was hoping to lift most measures by Orthodox Easter, which is in April, as long as the pandemic figures drop. In this case, restriction-free admission to entertainment and food venues will apply only to the fully vaccinated. 

He stressed, however, that mask-wearing will continue to be mandatory until there is significant change in the epidemiological data.

Photo source: eea.gr

Gogos confirmed that the committee will reconsider measures for Carnival season, adding that it may allow some “low-risk” cultural activities to take place where there will be limited crowding. Carnival parades and festivities, which are major tourist attractions in Greece, were canceled in 2020 and in 2021.

The committee will also re-examine changing or lifting restrictions for football stadiums and sports events.