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

A freddo, 241 and a fresh start: The moment that changed George Kou’s life

George Kou shares the powerful story behind his weight loss journey, the turning point in Kalamata, and the decision that transformed his life

Melbourne event to spotlight Themistocles Kritikakos’ new landmark genocide study

Historian Dr Themistocles Kritikakos will hold the Melbourne launch of his groundbreaking new book on genocide next week.

Nia Gitsas elected first female President of AHEPA Sydney & NSW

AHEPA Sydney & NSW has elected Nia Gitsas as its new President, marking a historic first for the organisation in New South Wales.

Restoring Balance: IWD event sells out as Sydney honours Hellenic women leading change

Greek Festival of Sydney, in collaboration with The Greek Herald, has sold out its third consecutive International Women’s Day event for 2026.

‘Paravasis’: A night of Greek Australian comedy hosted by Anthony Locascio

Following a hugely successful first year in 2025, the Greek Festival of Sydney is proud to present ‘Paravasis’.

You May Also Like

Greek government submits bill to curb people’s right to protest

Greece’s centre-right government submitted a bill on Monday to impose tighter controls on public protests that frequently block traffic and turn violent.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney to honour unsung Greek heroines of WWII

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney will host a special commemoration this month, shining a light on the Greek heroines of the Resistance.

Themis Chryssidis to reinvent his acclaimed Adelaide restaurant

Themis Chryssidis is transforming his acclaimed city restaurant, eleven, with a new menu and more affordable prices.