# Covid-19

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The information below is specifically written for OCC Greece. However, most of the information and rules apply the same for OCC Spain. Soon we will update this section to match the current situation in Catalunya as well.
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## Introduction

As we are in frequent contact with people on the move or with the population in refugee camps, everybody of us must be trying their best to avoid spreading COVID-19 to these populations and among ourselves.

International organisations dealing with vulnerable populations are called to implement robust preventive activities to mitigate the epidemic risk. Please read this policy carefully and implement it immediately. Repeated failure of complying with this policy will lead to you having to leave the project. If you have any questions or doubts about any part of this policy, please contact the coordinator.

## Context

The COVID-19 situation in Greece, as everywhere else in the world, is extremely unstable and unpredictable. This requires a constant evaluation of the circumstances. Information, official procedures, rules, restrictions, and correct way of actions should be always deducted from official resources. The present protocol should also be frequently updated – all those measures that might easily change are highlighted.

Official information regarding COVID-19 restrictions and measures in the country are available here:

<https://covid19.gov.gr/>\
<https://covid19.gov.gr/covid-map>

The National Public Health Organization (EODY) is reachable for Covid related inquiries 24/7 by calling 1135. Official information concerning health and the Greek health system is accessible in the following link:

<https://eody.gov.gr/en/covid-19/>&#x20;

## Arrival of new volunteers

Please try to minimise the risk of getting infected before joining the team, especially if you are travelling from a high-risk area:

●  Wear a mask in public indoor places.

●  Avoid crowds.

●  Avoid shaking hands and giving hugs.

●  Avoid touching your face with your hands.

●  Follow social distancing rules.

New volunteers, fully-vaccinated or with a recovery certificate, will be able to join OCC without getting tested. New volunteers that are not vaccinated are required to get tested upon arrival. The test will be arranged by OCC, ideally on the day of the new volunteer’s arrival. OCC will pay the price of the first test. Considering the new COVID-19 regulations, volunteers without a certificate of vaccination or of recovery, will have to get a rapid test once a week to be allowed inside OCC’s spaces. The first test will be covered by OCC, while the following ones will be paid by the volunteer.&#x20;

## Precautions during work

Some regulations tackle specific limits on the number of beneficiaries allowed per square meter, while others generally advise that the number of beneficiaries (and volunteers) in the working area should be limited, so that individuals can remain at least 1.5 meters apart. High-level research demonstrates that the transmission of viruses is lower with the physical distance of 1.5 m, compared with a distance of less than 1 m. Thus, this is the threshold adopted by OCC.&#x20;

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or difficulties breathing) stay at home – if possible, in your room – and inform the coordinator. Avoid meeting with other people and do not stay in any of OCC’s spaces if you present one of the symptoms mentioned above.&#x20;

If one of our beneficiaries has symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or difficulties breathing) two different scenarios apply:

1. If they are an adult, the teacher should request the beneficiary to go home immediately and to do a self test. If the test is negative, the beneficiary can resume classes once they feel better and upon an additional negative test result. If the test results are positive, the whole class and the teacher should be quarantined. The same procedure specified below applies in this scenario, from the question “Is there a high probability you may have contracted the virus in the past days?”
2. If they are a minor, the teacher will call the family to ask to pick the child up if they are from Polykastro. Otherwise, if from Axioupoli, the child has to remain in class until the end of the activity. During the class, the symptomatic child should be separated from the other children as much as possible. At the end of the class, the teacher/interpreter should call the family to inform them about the symptoms and ask the family to keep the child at home until they feel better. Negative tests must be provided before they resume classes. If the test results are positive, the whole class and the teacher should be quarantined. The same procedure specified below applies in this scenario, from the question “Is there a high probability you may have contracted the virus in the past days?”

In some cases maintaining social distancing requires additional working space and OCC’s locations can easily become overcrowded. Therefore, when possible, volunteers should work from home.

### In the bike space:

* Only people with a certificate of vaccination, of recovery from COVID or a rapid test are allowed inside the space;
* No more than 9 people are allowed inside the space.
* While registering new students and translating, both volunteers and recipients are required to wear a mask.
* Before starting and after finishing the registration process, disinfect the desk and all the pens utilised.
* Volunteers working in the bike space are required to wear a mask all the time.
* Whenever possible, keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people, while working, smoking or socialising at the workspace. Do not shake hands and do not give hugs.
* Disinfect or properly wash your hands regularly, especially after touching commonly used surfaces in the space, like the doorknob or the toilet flush.

### In the classes (Madrasa and Cafeteria):

* Only people with a certificate of vaccination, of recovery from COVID or a rapid test are allowed inside the space;
* Children are allowed to enter the space if they can provide a certification of self-test (of aged up to 11) or rapid test (if aged above 11);
* No more than 9 adult students are allowed inside the classroom;
* No more than 15 children are allowed inside the classroom;
* The use of face masks is mandatory for students and teachers.
* Teachers have to disinfect all surfaces, especially desks and chairs, before and after each class.
* Teachers have to disinfect and sanitise all materials utilised during the class (pens, markers, etc.).
* Try to ventilate and keep the doors open as much as possible.
* Disinfect or properly wash your hands regularly, especially after touching commonly used surfaces in the class, like the doorknob or the toilet flush.

### In the kindergarten:

* Only people with a certificate of vaccination, of recovery from COVID or a rapid test are allowed inside the space;
* Children are allowed to enter the space if they can provide a certification of self-test (of aged up to 11) or rapid test (if aged above 11);
* Children below the age of 5 do not need to provide any sort of COVID certification;
* No more than 15 people (kids and mothers) are allowed inside the kinder.
* The use of face masks is mandatory for teachers and mothers. Kids younger than 4 do not have to wear masks.
* Before starting and after finishing the activities, disinfect the material and games utilised.
* Disinfect or properly wash your hands regularly, especially after touching commonly used surfaces in the kinder, like the doorknob or the toilet flush.

## Socialising

Please be responsible while socialising. All of us must follow some simple rules to minimise the risk of getting infected and spreading the disease to the population we want to assist:

●  Wear a mask in public indoor and outdoor places, (there is a fine of 150 Euro if you don't wear a mask).

●  Avoid crowds and especially crowded indoor places like bars and clubs.

●  Avoid shaking hands and giving hugs.

●  Avoid touching your face with your hands.

●  Follow social distancing rules.

## Prevention measures

In order to avoid the spread of COVID-19 between OCC team members and beneficiaries, staff and volunteers should maintain responsible behaviours while socialising at all times.

Specifically, the measures mentioned above in ‘Socialising’ must be followed not only during working hours, but during weekends and personal holidays as well.&#x20;

As specified above, crowds and especially crowded indoor places like bars and clubs should be avoided. However, an OCC member might find themself in an unexpected and unforeseen situation in which they might have been exposed to COVID-19, or been in direct contact with someone from a high-risk area. If this happens, they must immediately report to the managers about the incident. Failure to report will lead to consequences determined case by case and proportioned to the negligence by the coordinators.
