Persons wearing protecting encounter masks make their way on Syntagma square just after the Greek government imposed mandatory COVID vaccinations for people aged 60 and above, in Athens, Greece, December 1, 2021. REUTERS/Louiza Vradi

ATHENS, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Foreign travellers can opt to clearly show a rapid antigen take a look at or a PCR test to enter Greece, the nation explained on Thursday, amending a rule it introduced only the day in advance of to assist suppress the unfold of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Well being authorities stated on Wednesday that the evaluate – which will be in impact from Dec. 19 – would call for a PCR test no additional than 48 hours old.

Previously, proof of vaccination or restoration from COVID-19 or unfavorable tests had been essential to journey to Greece.

On Thursday, a little broader possibilities for the tests were introduced – with all travellers aged over five needing to display both a PCR examination taken no far more than 72 several hours prior to their arrival or a speedy exam 24 several hours right before arriving.

“The Omicron variant prompted our nation to take 1-off steps for international website visitors,” authorities spokesman Giannis Oikonomou explained.

He mentioned the restrictions would apply for the Christmas period of time and have been aimed to delay the spread of the pandemic to give Greek people extra time to get booster pictures.

Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou
Modifying by Alison Williams

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