ATHENS — State Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis outlined the government plan for measures in recreational and entertainment industry venues on Tuesday, saying that this new operating model for the market will start to apply from July 15.

These envisage 'immune-only' venues and spaces where only those who have been vaccinated or have immunity through infection with the virus in the last six months – and also have the corresponding certificate to prove this – will be given access. It also allows 'mixed' venues which also grant access to the unvaccinated but only if they have a negative a rapid or PCR test for Covid.

The measures can apply to either indoor areas or open spaces that are likely to be crowded.

As the Minister of State pointed out, it is up to business owners to choose the model they prefer and apply the respective conditions. He noted that the presence and validity of certificates will be checked in the first case, while minimum distance rules and other protection measures will also apply in the second case.

Restaurants, cinemas and theatres that opt for the 'immune-only' model will be allowed to increase capacity to 85 percent (with the use of masks in theatres and cinema) while so-called 'mixed areas' are restricted to 50 percent normal capacity. For seating outdoors, 'immune-only' areas will be allowed to reach 85 pct capacity while for mixed areas this will be 75 pct or lower.

Clubs and both indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, immune-only venues will be permitted to reach 60 pct capacity while for mixed venues this will be less than 25 pct. For stadiums, only vaccinated individuals and those with immunity acquired through infection will be admitted and will also be required to wear a mask.

Gerapetritis also offered assurances that personal data and rights of citizens will be fully respected, while adding that "the need to build immunity and regain our freedoms is unavoidable."

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