Thousands joined a rally in Thessaloniki on Sunday (12 December) against mandatory vaccination in Greece.

The demonstration happened as new restrictions on the unvaccinated came into effect.

In addition those who were vaccinated more than seven months ago and have not had their third dose, will also fall foul of the new rules, which begin on Monday.

There will also be mandatory vaccination of those over 60, who will have to pay a fine for every month they remain without having had three jabs in total.

Those who do not have a valid Covid pass (typically made so by vaccination) will need to take two rapid Covid tests a week in order to go to work.

They will also need to take a rapid test to shop in stores and travel by plane, ship or train.

The Greek healthcare system is currently overwhelmed with Covid cases, with intensive care beds full.

Thousands joined a rally against mandatory vaccination in Thessaloniki Greece on Sunday 12/12 noon, as new restrictions for unvaccinated come into effect. The rally was organized while those who have not been vaccinated and have not received the third dose and 7 months have passed, will be considered unvaccinated from Monday 13/12/2021. Regarding the mandatory vaccination of those over 60 years of age, the Greek Minister of Health Thanos Plevris stressed that from December 13 those who have not been triple vaccinated over the age of 60 will be considered unvaccinated, which practically means that they will have the same restrictions as those who have not been vaccinated at all. The expiration of the certificate means that in order to go to work they will need two rapid tests per week, a rapid test to shop in commercial stores and to travel by plane, ship or train.

Meanwhile Greek healthcare system is overwhelmed by COVID cases and ICU beds in maximum capacity, many intubed patients lay in simple hospital beds.