ATHENS – Greek churches have been exempted from new health measures requiring people to show negative COVID tests before entering but the hierarchy said the faithful should get the shot or show proof they are not infected.

That came as cases are breaking daily records and expected to surpass 7000 on Nov. 4 as the New Democracy government has ruled out a lockdown in favor of measures against the unvaccinated so as not to punish the vaccinated.

The Holy Synod also reiterated the obligation of priests, cantors and church wardens to undergo two tests per week (rapid or PCR) noting that checks will be conducted by the Ecclesiastical Councils.

The major opposition SYRIZA, which has an anti-vaxxer hard core element, said it would put forth in Parliament an amendment that would require unvaccinated people to present a negative Covid-19 test result to enter churches.