Draconian curbs have been imposed in Greece, aimed at reducing Covid-19 infections that have pushed death rates to almost twice the EU average.
The new restrictions went into effect as authorities struggled to convince older Greeks in particular to have the jab.
As of today, unvaccinated citizens are barred from entry to all enclosed public spaces, including bars, restaurants, cinemas and museums.
Gyms are also off-limits for those unable to provide proof of immunisation or recent recovery from the virus – reportedly triggering many to sell gym memberships.
Until further notice, employees in the public and private sector will have to work staggered shifts, with masks being made obligatory in all workspaces.
The measures were imposed as capacity in ICU units across the Mediterranean nation exceeded 90%, according to health officials.
Vaccination rates in Greece are much lower than other parts of Europe, with a quarter of all adults yet to have the shot. As a result fatalities have also risen in recent weeks.
The death toll, as of Sunday, stood at 17,313 in a population of around 11 million. Barely six weeks ago, the country crossed the grim milestone of 15,000 deaths.
The restrictions were enforced as dozens were charged with producing fake inoculation certificates. In an unprecedented step, 48 people were prosecuted for participating in a criminal ring that had manufactured and sold scores of fraudulent Covid-19 certificates out of a health centre in central Greece. Judicial authorities signalled that similar investigations were under way in other parts of the country.
The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, told parliament on Monday that bonuses averaging €900 would be given to 100,000 health workers in recognition of their help throughout the pandemic. “It is the least that we can [do] today [given] the great many things that we owe them,” he said.
