Employees in several sectors of the Greek economy and civil servants will be required to first test negative for the Covid-19 virus before returning or continuing to work from offices, as the government in Athens is gradually lifting pandemic-related restrictions.
Free self-tests are being distributed to eligible individuals via neighborhood pharmacies, while people who took the self-test must then register the result on an online platform.
This week, moreover, will be decisive for determining what pandemic-related restrictions will apply to Church-going in the predominately Orthodox Christian nation.
Palm Sunday is observed in less than a week, followed by Holy Easter Week, the most significant, touching and reverent dates on the ecclesiastical calendar.
According to still unconfirmed reports, on Great and Holy Friday, which commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross, an annual procession during Vespers on Friday evening that carries the figure of the un-nailed Christ from the Cross and the placement of His body in the tomb, will be allowed outside cathedrals and chapels, but only within their courtyards.
Members of the standing Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece, who will convene in Athens on Tuesday, are expected to discuss the framework for the holding of Holy Services during Great Easter Week, as well as to reiterate the Church of Greece’s demand for worshippers to be allowed inside churches.