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

The Greek Herald addresses allegations linked to Cyprus Community of NSW Federal Court proceedings

The Greek Herald responds to claims circulated to Cyprus Community members, addressing allegations linked to Federal Court proceedings.

Odysseas Geladaris qualifies for Australian Open Juniors main draw

Seventeen-year-old Greek tennis player Odysseas Geladaris has qualified for the main draw of the Australian Open Juniors.

Ioulia Karapataki to headline Antipodes Festival in Melbourne

Acclaimed Greek singer Ioulia Karapataki has been announced as a headline performer for the 2026 Antipodes Festival in Melbourne.

State memorial farewells trailblazing Greek Australian Labor figure Nick Bolkus

A state memorial service has been held in Adelaide to honour the life and legacy of Nick Bolkus, a pioneering Greek Australian politician.

Peter Gloftis opens new yiros shop at Nobby Beach

Mr Spiros Handmade Yiros has opened at Nobby Beach, bringing traditional Greek flavours and family recipes to the Gold Coast.

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas attributes early Australian Open exit to ‘karma’

Stefanos Tsitsipas expressed frustration and reflection after his unexpected first-round exit at the Australian Open on Monday, January 13.

Movies to help relive the Greek holiday experience

Oh how we wish we were sitting on a beach in the Greek islands. Cocktail in one hand, magazine or newspaper in the other.

Helen Demetriou shares her top four dishes for a traditional Greek dinner on Christmas Eve

Helen Demetriou shares her top four dishes for a traditional Greek dinner to be enjoyed on the night before Christmas.