Legislative Act (14th March 2020) on Measures arising out of the Necessity for Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19

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On the 14th of March 2020, the Greek government has brought into effect -among others - the following measures:

A. Ensuring the continuation of supply and conduct of business in food services and supermarkets. Certain businesses that will remain closed like cafes and restaurants  are offered the option to offer take away or delivery services without any further precondition.

B. Ensuring sufficient stock on medical equipment such as masks, antiseptic liquids and tissues, businesses are obliged to report their stock to the Ministry of Development and Investments.

C. The Ministry of Health will be able to order the requisition of consumable/non-consumable goods (movable assets such as special medical equipment, personal safety/health goods, medicine) from private individuals, natural or legal persons. The Ministry will decide upon a reasonable compensation for such acts of requisition.

D. A process of Acceptance of Donations from the Ministry of Health is being effected.

E. Ban from entry to or exit from Greece to private individuals, groups of people who come from/move to infected areas abroad (Italy is already on the ban-list).

F. A mechanism for the support of employees of affected businesses (e.g. businesses whose operations have been temporarily suspended by virtue of e.g. Ministerial Decisions) is being effected.

G. A special process for companies that have exceeded the legal limits for overtime of employees is also being effected allowing the working hours to be exceeded as long as there is a danger for the spread of COVID-19.

H. Certain businesses are temporarily allowed to operate on Sundays deviating from the general prohibition of operating on Sundays for a period of up to 6 months.

I. Special permits for the protection of frail groups of people with serious health conditions are going to be issued.

J. Special commissions for acquisition of parts for ambulances are being made.

K. Hiring of staff for university and military hospitals on one year employment contracts.

pdf of the Legislative Act in Greek