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

Debate grows over Archbishop Makarios’ comments on Greek language in Orthodox liturgy

A debate has emerged within the Orthodox community in Australia after Archbishop Makarios reaffirmed the importance of Greek in liturgy.

Bridging borders: John Tripidakis on protecting Greek assets from abroad

For many Australians with ties to Greece, managing legal matters across borders can feel complex, confusing, and at times overwhelming.

Dimitra Skalkos on Ouzo Talk: The reality of running The Greek Herald at 100

As The Greek Herald enters its 100th year, the milestone marks a century of continuous publication serving the Greek Australian community.

Open letter urges constructive path forward for Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation

In an open letter, Leon Bombotas reflects on the future of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation following its entry into voluntary admin.

‘Untamed Voices’ sells out, delivering a powerful tribute to rebetiko and female expression

The 44th Greek Festival of Sydney proudly presented Untamed Voices on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the iconic Factory Theatre.

You May Also Like

Mitsotakis and Albanese unite at UN to tackle online dangers for children

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis joined Australian PM Anthony Albanese at a UN event in New York this week, calling for urgent global action.

Gezel Bardossi named ‘One to Watch’ at NSW Women of the Year Awards   

The Greek Italian Australian teenager Gezel Bardossi has been named a recipient of the NSW Women of the Year Awards for 2024. Read more here.

‘We need to get a crack on’: Veronica Papacosta on the labour crisis

Key food industry associations are warning Australians to expect empty supermarket shelves and higher prices this summer