New Covid-19 Protocol Requires Wearing a Mask in Supermarkets

The use of non-medical masks in supermarkets will become mandatory for both employees and patrons alike starting on Saturday, July 18, to address noticeable spikes in Covid-19.
The decision was made by the National Committee for the Protection of Public Health in response to a growing increase in coronavirus cases, caused by both the tourist season as well as a noticeable relaxation of implementing health and safety protocols.
According to a Twitter post by Secretary-General for Commerce and Consumer Protection Panagiotis Stampoudis, “Implementing the decision of the National Committee for the Protection of Public Health against Covid-19, a JMC is issued which makes the use of non-medical mask in supermarkets by employees and consumers mandatory from tomorrow.”

Εφαρμόζοντας @MinDevGR @AdonisGeorgiadi @npapathanasis την απόφαση της Εθνικής Επιτροπής Προστασίας της Δημόσιας Υγείας έναντι του COVID-19, εκδίδεται ΚΥΑ με την οποία καθίσταται από αύριο,υποχρεωτική η χρήση μη ιατρικής μάσκας στα σούπερ μάρκετ από τους εργαζομένους& καταναλωτές

— Panagiotis G Stampoulidis (@PStampoulidis) July 17, 2020

With daily cases of Covid-19 reaching the double digits, the Circles of the Ministry of Development hope that the new mandate will help address the rapid spread of the virus.
At the same time, a fine of 150 euros ($171) will also be imposed on those who do not follow the new mandate of wearing a mask in supermarkets. Employers will be required to pay the hefty penalty themselves if their workers are found in violation.
The National Public Health Organization had previously reported on Friday, July 17, that 28 new cases of Covid-19 were discovered, with 12 of them having been diagnosed at the country’s border gates, bringing Greece’s total number of infections to 3,964.

The new mandate will be in effect and last until Sunday, July 26, with supermarkets required to uphold the new protocol even when they don’t have masks to offer customers.
Deputy Minister of Development and Investment Nikos Papathanasis spoke about the subject on “Sky,” saying that “It is not difficult to implement the measure.” Specialist Marios Lazanas also explained how employees should wear masks in the workplace.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis previously spoke on the pandemic and the apparent lax on restrictions and safety rules, emphasizing that the country is not out of the woods yet.