Kits for self-administered coronavirus tests have begun arriving in Greek pharmacies, with residents entitled to one kit free of charge per week as part of efforts to tackle a surge of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations
Greece to reopen schools using self-test kits for COVID-19By ELENA BECATOROSAssociated PressThe Associated PressATHENS, Greece
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Kits for self-administered coronavirus tests began arriving in Greek pharmacies Wednesday, with residents entitled to one a week free of charge as part of efforts to tackle a surge of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.
Priority for the home tests is initially being given to teachers and high school students aged 16-18, as authorities announced plans to reopen high schools for students in the final three grades starting April 12. Students and teachers returning to school will be required to use the test kits twice weekly.
Greece has been under lockdown-type restrictions since early November and schools have been shut for most of the time since then, although they briefly reopened for a few weeks earlier this year. Only special education schools have remained open throughout.
Despite restrictions on movement and gatherings and the closures of bars, restaurants and retail stores for months, coronavirus cases have been surging in Greece. Hospitals are under strain and many intensive care units are at capacity. The country of 11 million people announced a record number of daily new infections Tuesday with 4,309, while the cumulative death toll stood at 8,607 on Wednesday.
Despite the surge, retail stores in most of the country reopened Monday on an appointment-only basis. Cafes, restaurants and bars remain shut and are allowed to operate on a takeout or delivery basis only, while a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew remains in place and people are allowed to leave home only for specific reasons and after sending a text message to authorities or carrying a self-declaration form. Masks are compulsory in all public indoor and outdoor areas.
But after five months of restrictions, many are openly flouted and crowds outside cafes and bars serving drinks in plastic cups have become common in the evenings.
Alternate Health Minister Vassilis Kontozamanis said distribution of the test kits to the population would begin on Thursday. ___ Derek Gatopoulos in Athens contributed. Follow Becatoros at https://twitter.com/ElenaBec ___
Follow all of AP’s pandemic coverage at:
https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.