Greece's daily COVID-19 cases hit new record at 6,700

, Nov. 2 (Xinhua)

Greek authorities announced on Tuesday that as of Saturday unvaccinated individuals will face stricter measures aiming to contain the further spread of COVID-19, as the country registered a new record number of daily cases.

The National Public Health Organization (EODY) said 6,700 new infections were recorded in the last 24 hours, breaking Monday's record of 5,449.

Meanwhile, the country's death toll rose by 59 to 16,050, and 434 patients were on ventilators in hospitals nationwide.

Amid the rising infections, the government toughened restrictions for those who are unvaccinated against COVID-19. It has launched a new information campaign to persuade them to get the shot, Health Minister Thanos Plevris told a press briefing.

"Compared to last year we have a crucial weapon at our disposal which makes a difference, vaccination," he said, urging reluctant citizens once again to get inoculated for their own protection and public safety.

Approximately 9 out of 10 patients in ICUs currently were unvaccinated, he stressed.

To date, 73 percent of the adult population in Greece has been fully vaccinated, while booster shots were also underway.

As of Friday, all citizens above 18 will be able to book an appointment for a third dose, as long as the first stage of their vaccination was completed six months ago, Plevris said.

Meanwhile, as of Nov. 9, all unvaccinated employees in both public and private sectors will have to take two rapid COVID-19 tests weekly at their own expense instead of one, the minister announced. They are also required to present a negative rapid test or PCR test to have access to public services, banks, shopping malls, and hairdressers.

Furthermore, fines for businesses that ignore existing regulations regarding checks on vaccination certificates (restaurants, cafes) have doubled. 

Greece's daily COVID-19 cases hit new record at 6,700 - Xinhua (news.cn)