Kozani Goes into Stricter Covid-19 Lockdown

Photo source: kozani.pdm.gov.gr

Extra lockdown measures will be imposed on the entire regional unit of Kozani in northern Greece for seven days to contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), the General Secretariat for Civil Protection said on Friday.

According to Greek Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias, the stricter measures are the same that were recently announced for the three municipalities of the West Attica prefecture and will take effect from 6am on Saturday, December 19.

Hardalias said that there are currently 397 active Covid-19 cases in Kozani.

The stricter lockdown in Kozani, among other things, sees a curfew that bans non-essential movement from 6pm until 5am. (Movement beyond the curfew will continue to be allowed only for specific reasons and by sending an SMS to the five-digit mobile phone service 13033.)

All retail stores will remain closed and farmer’s markets are suspended. Also suspended are all religious services except funerals, which will be held under strict restrictions.

The deputy minister said that mass rapid tests and contact tracing will be carried out, especially in the areas of Voio and Eordea. Health authorities will also step up the screening of employees in all companies.

Photo source: kozani.pdm.gov.gr

Covid-19 information campaigns for the population of Kozani will immediately be launched by the National Public Health Organization (EODY).

Hardalias highlighted that constant checks will be carried out in Kozani to be sure all health and safety measures are being followed.

Greece has been in a national lockdown since November 7 and has announced measures through to the first week in January 2021. The government recently announced a limited easing of restrictions for the holidays.

Greek health authorities on Thursday announced 916 new coronavirus cases and 96 deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, the total number of cases in the country has reached 129,584. The Covid-19 death toll in Greece is 4,044.