Thessaloniki: Access to Seikh Su Forest is Prohibited

Photo Source: @Central Macedonia Region

The Region of Central Macedonia has banned access to Seikh Su, the hilltop forest located north and northeast of the city of Thessaloniki, as part of its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Individuals and vehicles are banned from entering the forest from today (Monday) and until further notice.

The measure came prior to the government’s decision to impose a countrywide lockdown, barring people from moving for “unnecessary reasons”, except to go to and from work, and for emergencies, until April 6.

Seikh Sou, Thessaloniki. Photo Source: @Apostolos Tzitzikostas

Central Macedonia Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas announced the decision on Sunday afternoon after a large number of individuals were seen gathered in Seikh Sou over the weekend, defying the government’s quarantine measures.

“I’ve decided to ban access to Seikh Su for as long as necessary in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Thessaloniki’s suburban forest will remain closed until further notice… Once again, I urge everyone to stay home,” Tzitzikostas said, also adding that the area will be patrolled by police officers.

Government vehicles including the fire, police and forestry departments, are excluded from the restriction.

Thessaloniki, Greece (archive photo)

Meanwhile, since last Friday, a drone of the Central Macedonian Region has been patrolling over the coastal zone of Thessaloniki, to ensure that the quarantine measures are applied and citizens stay at home.