Government introduces OP Plus mode

On Wednesday the Government approved measures related to the omicron variant of the novel coronavirus, introducing a new 'OP plus' mode. The 'OP plus' mode will only apply to people who have been inoculated against COVID-19 with three vaccine doses, those who have recovered from the disease and have been vaccinated twice, and those who have been vaccinated twice and have a negative test certificate. Moreover, as of February 1, the period within which people will be viewed as being fully vaccinated will be reduced from 12 months to nine months since their last vaccine dose. The measures will take effect as of January 19. The twelve-month period will remain in place until then. Meanwhile, the period within which people will be viewed as recovered from COVID-19 will be shortened from the current 180 days to 90 days. Also on Wednesday, the ban on public gatherings was lifted. The ban on gatherings of more than six people, excluding members of a single household, has been in place due to the adverse situation concerning the pandemic since late November 2021.