ATHENS — Spectators may return to sports facilities to watch games as long as adults are vaccinated, the ratio of unvaccinated youths does not exceed 5%, and all wear masks without exception, the Sports Ministry revealed on Thursday.

Following the approval of the Health Ministry's national health committee, adult spectators will be obliged to show a vaccination certificate when purchasing an electronic ticket, while younger people be obliged to show a PCR or rapid test result, negative to coronavirus. At facilities without an electronic ticketing system, proof will be required at the door.

Open-air facilities may seat up to 80% of full capacity (or a maximum 25,000 people) while closed facilities will seat a maximum of 60% capacity (or a maximum 3,000 people).

The date these regulations will go into effect will be revealed expected in a few days.

In addition, the committee strongly recommended that sports organizations and Mass media use vaccinated professionals on site, with the rest providing proof of a negative PCR or rapid test before the start of a game.

In addition, a health protocol for the Half-Marathon race of Athens (September 12) was approved, with the provision that only fully vaccinated athletes are allowed to register.