Measures in force against COVID-19

The Ministry of Health issued a clarification statement on the measures in place against COVID-19 on Thursday.

As stated, the use of protective masks is compulsory for employees and visitors over 12 years of age in hospitals, nursing homes, closed structures for vulnerable groups, outpatient clinics of hospitals, medical centres, clinical laboratories, rehabilitation centres, pharmacies and public transport, while the use of masks in crowded spaces is recommended for people belonging to vulnerable population groups and for people who interact with people at high risk.  

It is further noted that the Safe Pass is mandatory for visits to patients in public and private hospitals and to residents in nursing homes and closed structures, and a 24-hour Rapid test or 48-hour PCR for persons over 6 years of age (2 persons per day, 1 person per visit).  

It is added that in extremely urgent cases the number of persons and visits may be increased, subject to approval by the management of the hospital or facility, while it is noted that mobile units of the Ministry of Health provide free rapid tests in SHSO nursing homes for the convenience of patients, visitors and employees during the hours 07ꓽ00 - 19ꓽ00. 

With regard to outpatient visits to hospital outpatient clinics, medical and diagnostic centres, dispensaries, rehabilitation centres and accommodation centres, the Ministry clarifies that a 48-hour rapid test or 72-hour PCR is required for persons who do not hold a valid certificate of vaccination or infection, while there is no requirement for persons who hold a valid certificate of vaccination or infection or for persons under the age of 6 years.

The Ministry of Health also recommends that all citizens, regardless of vaccination history, undergo a self-test or rapid test test once a week.  

It is added that citizens who present symptoms against COVID-19 or possess a self-test with a positive reading should contact their Personal Physician and will be referred for free PCR testing, while citizens who are reported as a close contact of a confirmed positive case will receive a message from the Ministry of Health to have free testing performed on the 3rd and 5th day of contact, which will be performed at clinical laboratories contracted with the Ministry of Health.