Reuters
Published Nov 28, 2021 13:23
By Phoebe Fronista
ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece introduced new restrictions obliging churchgoers to present negative COVID-19 tests to attend services on Sunday following a surge in infections in recent weeks.
Under new rules announced on Nov. 18, unvaccinated people are barred from indoor spaces including restaurants, cinemas, museums and gyms, even if they test negative for the coronavirus.
In the case of churches, Sunday was the first day that those attending church service must present a negative test.
"(This is) to safeguard ourselves, and the people," said Father Christos, a priest at the Ayios Spiridon Church in the city of Piraeus.
"It might be a bit difficult, but we will persist. We are obliged to comply with everything."
Some churchgoers said fewer people than usual turned up for Sunday services because of the requirement that unvaccinated pay for their tests, a cost that could add up for those with families.
But out of four churches Reuters visited on Sunday, only one volunteer carried out checks, and that was with parishioners unfamiliar to them.
Greece has recorded a spike in infections this month, with daily cases hitting record highs. By Saturday, the country had recorded 920,683 infections, and 17,861 deaths since the start of the outbreak.
"I don't like it, but what can we do? We are complying, but the Church is empty today. Obviously people cannot endure the expense, coming here with their children, how much money will they have to spend?" said a woman called Athina.
Chrysoula Bezentakou said she believed people were afraid. "People don't want to do rapid tests, or vaccinations," she said. "I think its psychological."
Written By: Reuters
Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.