Churches in Greece will finally reopen their doors after being shut for almost a month after a joint decision expected to be announced by the ministries of Health and Religion on Tuesday, the Athens-Macedonian News Agency reports.
According to the report, churches will reopen on May 17 and remain open until June 5, when it will be reviewed by the authorities. The decision applies to regular services but also to ceremonies such as baptisms and weddings.
The churches are to adhere to the strict health guidelines set in place by the Greek government. Only one person will be allowed inside churches per 10 square meters of surface area and a distance of 1.5 meters at least must be maintained at all times. A maximum of 50 people will be allowed in places of worship that have an area of more than 500 square meters.
Social distancing must be maintained at all times between clerics and members of the congregation.
The decision also advises the use of masks but makes the use of antiseptic hand gels or wipes mandatory for everyone entering a church or other religious venue.
Greek Orthodox churches were placed in lockdown in the prior to Greek Orthodox Easter in mid-April to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
