Lockdown measures in Greece extended by one week to May 4

·

Greece on Thursday extended its general coronavirus lockdown by a week to May 4, saying any relaxation would be staggered over May and June.

Greek authorities imposed a blanket shutdown of public life from mid-March to stem coronavirus contagion, and the country has recorded a significantly lower outbreak of the COVID-19 respiratory disease than many other European nations.

Restrictions, which allow people to move around only with an official permit, will be extended to May 4 from April 27, government spokesman Stelios Petsas told a news briefing.

“The objective of the confinement measures is not to remain in a glass bowl, stuck in our homes. The objective is to take our lives back and win back our way of life which was temporarily deprived of us by this cunning and invisible enemy,” Petsas said.

Municipal workers wearing protective suits disinfect Syntagma square, after the Greek government imposed a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Athens, Greece, March 23, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis would map out the transition in a public speech early next week, Petsas said.

By Wednesday evening, Greece had reported 2,408 cases of COVID-19 and 121 deaths.

The country shut schools and places where large numbers of people congregate on March 10, followed by strict restrictions on movement from March 23.

Those measures limited any risk of the health system collapsing from mass admission of patients or from many people falling ill at once, Petsas said.

Greece is already dealing with austerity and the painful economic reforms it was required to introduce in response to three bailouts between 2010 and 2015.

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

Applications open for the Cultural Program of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney 2026

Submissions are open for the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney - artists, performers, writers and creatives are invited to apply by 21 November.

Greeks and Serbs unite in Sydney for 31st Annual Day of Friendship

The Greek and Serbian communities of Sydney came together for the 31st Annual Greek-Serbian Orthodox & Cultural Friendship Day.

When grammar meets glendi at Melbourne’s Greek School Celebration

The Stars International Reception Hall in Preston pulsed with music, laughter, and the sound of Greek on Saturday night.

‘It was fate’: Renos Haralambidis to attend Sydney Greek Film Festival milestone

Renowned Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis will be guest of honour at the 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney this October.

Canberra’s Hellenic Youth Club brings back Bouzouki Night 2025

The Hellenic Youth Club of Canberra (HYC) has announced the much-anticipated return of its signature Bouzouki Night.

You May Also Like

National Archaeological Museum to present inaugural Greek War of Independence exhibition

An exhibit presenting Greek antiquities with 18th and 19th-century works will open at the National Archaeological Museum on February 11

Akrothalassa Festival: A triumph of Pontian culture, cuisine and tattoos in Victoria

Pontians are known for their passion, strong work ethic, and joy of life. All three were on display when Pontians flocked to Rye Foreshore.

‘We didn’t abuse him’: NRL probe Vegas ref complaint against Mark Bouris, Nick Politis

The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating a complaint regarding an alleged confrontation during the NRL Vegas Nines competition.