Greeks to spend Christmas in lockdown after restrictions extended until January 7

·

Greece on Monday extended its lockdown measures until January 7 to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

In a televised briefing, government spokesman, Stelios Petsas, said the health system was still under enormous pressure and some restrictions should not be lifted until next month, including a night curfew and movement between regions.

Schools, restaurants, bars, courts and ski resorts will also remain closed until that date, Mr Petsas said.

The owner of a shop selling Christmas decoration products wears a protective face mask at the entrance of his shop, during the coronavirus pandemic, in Athens, Greece, December 7, 2020. Photo: Reuters/Alkis Konstantinidis.

By the end of the week, the government will make further decisions on the operation of churches, hair salons and the retail sector.

Greece has registered 115,471 cases of coronavirus and 3,092 deaths in total.

The country had to enforce a nationwide lockdown in November, its second this year, after an aggressive surge in COVID-19 cases. It has extended it twice since then, most recently until December 14.

10-day preventive quarantine for those returning to Greece from abroad:

During the same televised briefing, Mr Petsas confirmed that travelers returning to Greece from abroad will be placed in 10-day preventive quarantine. The measure will be in effect from 18 December 2020 until 7 January 2021.

He stressed that the 10-day quarantine will be an additional measure to the Passenger Location Form (PLF) and the negative molecular COVID-19 test carried out 72 hours before arrival.

This move was made in an attempt to restrict transmission of the coronavirus over the holiday season.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

The Greek Herald’s top videos of 2025: The moments that defined our community

As 2025 draws to a close, The Greek Herald looks back on the videos that resonated most powerfully with our audience.

Bondi businesses call for community support after shooting tragedy

Businesses in Bondi that sheltered terrified patrons during the recent shooting are now struggling with cancelled bookings and reduced trade.

Karagiannis family faces ongoing battle after mould forces 13 moves in a year

The Karagiannis family – Panagiota, Athanasios, and their daughters Athena, 6, and Iris, 3 – have endured a year of upheaval.

Bishop Athinagoras of Canberra blesses Hobart’s Hellenic institutions

The Greek Community of Tasmania was honoured to receive the blessing of Hellenic House, the Hellenic Club, and the Greek School.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia completes pastoral visit to Perth

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia arrived in Perth on the evening of Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

You May Also Like

Fifty years strong: Celebrating the enduring legacy of Modern Greek at Sydney University

The Department of Modern Greek at the University of Sydney marked its milestone 50th anniversary this year. Read more here.

Orthodox Easter: The symbolic journey of death, mourning and resurrection

Orthodox Easter is one of the hallmark religious celebrations as it honours the Resurrection of Christ and the victory of life over death.

Liquidators appointed to Bill Papas’ troubled Forum group of companies

Administrators say they are within 24 hours of reaching an agreement to sell the main business unit, Forum Group.