The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church has urged unvaccinated believers to test negative for COVID-19 so they can enter temples as infections begin to rise again.
According to a circular letter Thursday, test results will be sought, although the government has excluded religious sites from the new obligation for unvaccinated people to take a quick test or PCR to be admitted to state and municipal offices, shops, entertainment venues and banks. The decision of the synod leaves only grocery stores and supermarkets outside the restrictions for the unvaccinated, Kathimerini writes.
Priests, offices, and other church officials should be tested twice a week.
On Wednesday, the Holy Synod called on unvaccinated Greeks to be immunized against COVID-19.
The number of registered infections for the past day in Greece reached 6808 – an increase over the reported in the previous day 6700 cases. There are 441 patients in the intensive care units. 42 patients died. Almost 70% of Greeks have been vaccinated, although levels in the northern parts of the country are significantly lower.
