Greece tightens coronavirus curbs in Athens as infections surge

·

Greek authorities on Friday tightened restrictions to stem the spread of the coronavirus in the greater Athens area, saying the pandemic was showing “steadily rising trends”.

Earlier, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government stood ready to impose further COVID-19 curbs in Athens due to the surge of infections.

Effective from Monday and until Oct. 4, authorities set an upper limit of nine people in all public gatherings outdoors and suspended indoor and outdoor concerts. They also set a limit of 20 people attending funerals, weddings and baptisms.

People, some of them wearing face masks against the spread of the new coronavirus, gather on Mykonos, Greece, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020. – Copyright AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis

People older than 68 were urged to curtail their movements, avoid public transport and wear masks.

Private- and public-sector employers will have to ensure that 40% of work is done from home and not in the office and apply rotating shifts.

The rise in infections in recent months has forced authorities to gradually reimpose bans including the mandatory use of masks in all closed public and private spaces.

Health authorities reported 339 new infections on Friday after 359 recorded on Thursday, with about half in the Athens metropolitan area, Attica, where about one third of the country’s population lives.

That brought the total number since the first coronavirus case was detected in February to 14,738 cases. A total of 327 people have died.

“We are seeing trends that top 300 cases daily and the epicentre is Athens. The rise in infections coincides with the return of vacationers,” said professor Gikas Magiorkinis, an infectious diseases expert.

Authorities tightened restrictions earlier in the week, saying the pandemic was showing “worrying signs of resilience”.

Sourced By: Reuters

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

‘I’m stuck in 2002’: Bali bombings survivor Maria Kotronakis on losing family in the attacks

Maria Kotronakis was faced with the unimaginable reality that she would be returning from Bali without her two sisters and cousins

Jessica Mauboy on how husband Themeli Magripilis inspired her new album

The album 'Yours Forever' is a rollercoaster ride of Jess Mauboy favourite sounds from soul and gospel to jazz and dance pop.

Italian researcher claims to have discovered Plato’s burial place

An Italian researcher believes he has identified the location of Plato’s burial place in Athens by analyzing papyri from Herculaneum.