Greece plans gradual relaxation of lockdown measures

·

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday restrictions on citizens’ movements would be lifted and more shops allowed to reopen from May 4 in a gradual easing of a lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Greece has so far registered 2,566 coronavirus cases including 138 deaths, much fewer than many other European nations, thanks partly to the swift imposition of its lockdown on March 23.

But the lockdown has paralysed an economy that only emerged in the summer of 2018 from a decade-long debt crisis, dashing expectations for strong growth this year. The government now expects a deep recession of up to 10% of national output.

People walk across the empty Monastiraki square under the Acropolis in central Athens, on March 18. Photographer: Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP via Getty Images

“This is not the epilogue of our adventure but the continuation. Our emergence from quarantine will be done step by step. No one can rule out the risk of the threat rekindling,” Mitsotakis said in a televised address.

“A return (to normal life) must not lead to a relapse.”

Although most restrictions on Greeks’ free movement will be lifted on May 4, they will not be allowed to leave their wider region of residence, the conservative premier said.

Some retail stores, including book shops and hair salons, will reopen on May 4 and others later in the month. Schools will open gradually, starting on May 11.

Greece relies heavily on tourism but has seen large-scale booking cancellations because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Syntagma Square, where only ten people can be seen walking. Photo: Panagiotis Dalatariof/The Greek Herald

Its borders remain closed to citizens of non-EU nations including the United States and Britain as well as of Spain and Italy as part of the lockdown measures. The government made no mention on Tuesday of when those restrictions would be lifted.

Greece says it is critical that the European Union adopt a common position soon on travel and reopening borders within the bloc.

Year-round hotels, restaurants, cafes and shopping malls will reopen on June 1, but distance rules will apply and staff will have to wear masks.

The government said it would provide more details later on how it plans to revive the tourism sector, which employs one in five workers in Greece. Last year tourism revenues totalled 18 billion euros on the back of more than 34 million visitors.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

Greek winners at Olive Japan commit to quality and the planet

At the 13th edition of the Olive Japan International Olive Oil Competition, Greek olive oils took home 7 Gold awards and 17 Silvers.

‘Not an old war veteran’s place’: Manny Karvelas on the importance of RSL clubs

Ahead of Remembrance Day, President of Melbourne’s Hellenic RS Manny Karvelas, urges community members to support their local RSL clubs.

Australia’s Governor-General holds high level meetings in Greece

The Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley, has held numerous high level meetings on the first day of his historic visit to Greece.