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

Greek Consulate in Sydney marks 100 years with centenary book launch

The Consulate General of Greece in Sydney officially launched its centenary commemorations on Saturday, May 23.

Young generations carry memory forward at Greek Genocide commemoration in Sydney

The Australian Hellenic community gathered in Sydney on Sunday, May 24, to commemorate the Greek Genocide.

Commemorative Battle of Crete coin launched in Canberra

The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand co-hosted the official launch of a new commemorative coin series in Canberra.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney Book Club marks 200 years since Exodos of Messolonghi

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney marked the 200th anniversary of the Exodos of Messolonghi during its fifth Book Club event on May 23.

The inspiring stories behind Macquarie University’s Greek Language Exams

More than 90 candidates from NSW and the ACT sat for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek Language exams, held at Macquarie University.

You May Also Like

Traditional Greek recipes: Kourabiedes (butter cookies)

With Christmas just around the corner, it seems appropriate to start preparing the Greek biscuits Kourabiedes.

Oakleigh Grammar celebrates 100% tertiary offer success for the Class of 2025

Following Oakleigh Grammar’s best VCE results in 21 years, the school has announced another outstanding milestone.

Lyra player, Michael Platyrrahos, on preserving Cretan music for the next generation

Cretan lyra player, Michael Platyrrahos, never fails to disappoint when he gets on a stage and proudly performs his Cretan music.