Greek PM’s emergency meeting with Health Min. on Covid developments

A meeting of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with the political leadership of the Ministry of Health will take place at 12:00 pm on the developments in China, which is experiencing a new wave of coronavirus, and on the EU recommendations regarding travelers from China.

Europe is taking action

Yesterday, the European Union’s Crisis Response Mechanism (IPCR) met, with the central theme being the outbreak of coronavirus cases in China.

Member states agreed on a coordinated precautionary approach in light of the developments of COVID-19 in China, in particular taking into account the need for sufficient, reliable data and the relaxation of travel restrictions by China from 8 January 2023, the statement said of the Swedish presidency.

Member States agree to:

• recommend that all passengers on flights to and from China wear a medical mask (FFP2/N95/KN95).
• advise inbound and outbound international travelers originating in or destined for China, as well as aircraft and airport personnel, on personal hygiene and health measures.are strongly encouraged to introduce, for all passengers departing from China to Member States, a requirement of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure from China.

Member States are also encouraged to supplement these measures with:

• random checks of passengers arriving from China on arrival in Member States, as appropriate, and sequencing of all positive results to strengthen surveillance of the epidemiological situation.
• screening of sewage from airports with international flights and aircraft arriving from China
• continue to promote shared vaccine distribution and vaccination, including booster doses, particularly among vulnerable groups.