Greece Issues New Covid-19 Health Rules for Hotels to Follow in 2022

Greece’s health and tourism ministries presented on Thursday a set of new Covid-19 health protocols to be implemented by hotels and other tourism-related companies. 

The regulations, which have been made public through a joint ministerial decision published recently in the Government Gazette, take effect immediately and expire on May 31, 2023.

Among others, tourism companies must draw up an action plan, a Covid-19 incident management plan – which includes notifying the health ministry and National Public Health Organization (EODY) in case of a positive case, and maintain an updated log book of staff and hotel guests. 

What rules hotels must follow in 2022

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– units with a capacity of more than 50 rooms must also develop individual protocols for all its sections

– accommodation facilities operating in 2022 must update their action plan and coordinator Covid-19 management training by June 1 and staff training by June 15

– staff should be trained on health protocols, including modes of virus transmission, information and communication procedures, emergency procedures in case of Covid incident, cleaning and disinfecting practices

– hotel and hospitality facilities must have a clear operational framework as well as a Covid-19 case management plan, which must be displayed publicly

– reception area employees must not belong to vulnerable groups

– hotels must be able to present Covid-19 policy and measures to customers if requested 

– relevant information on Covid-19 precautionary measures must be displayed with special banners in English, French and German or made available through apps

– hotels must have full medical kits on hand to deal with a potential Covid case and staff must be able to identify signs of illness 

– additional sanitizers, regular sanitization of public areas, distancing during check-in and check-out must be ensured 

 – hotels must extend check-out and check-in duration between stays (check-out until 11.00am and new check in from 3.00pm)

– admission to rooms by non hotel guests is not allowed

– at hotel restaurants, bars and eating areas, protocols foresee longer opening hours to avoid crowding and served meals are encouraged (staff must wear face masks at all times and guests must present a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative rapid test result upon entry)

– for buffet service, hand sanitizers must be available at the entrance, distancing is required, installation of protective screens between customers and food, providing single-use products, room service at no additional charge should be encouraged

– pools, spas and other recreational water facilities must be sanitized and cleaned regularly and no more than one person allowed per 2.5m2 of space

– pool seating and umbrellas must be placed at a distance of at least 1.5 meters and be disinfected after each use

– the health rules to be followed in halls used for conferences and events are the same applied in conference and exhibition centers (mask wearing, distancing). 

Guests must have Covid vaccination certificate or negative test

All accommodation facilities should publicly display their “Health First” certification seal and all guests must provide a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative rapid test result upon check in.

Lastly, it should be noted that the health protocols also give Greek hotels and other tourist accommodation establishments the option to offer rapid of PCR testing (carried out by a skilled health professional) to guests on the date of check out.

Details on the updated health protocols that are to be applied in Greek hotels can be found here (in Greek).