Covid-19: Greece Extends Lockdown Measures Until January 18

Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias. Photo source: @Civil Protection GR

Greece is extending its lockdown measures until Monday, January 18, Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias announced on Friday.

Only elementary schools, kindergartens and daycare centers will reopen on Monday, January 11, under strict guidelines and Covid-19 measures.

The country’s restrictive measures that were taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) were originally to be lifted on January 11.

“We are confronted with a situation that is constantly evolving. It requires adaptability but mainly patience and persistence,” Hardalias said.

More specifically, until January 18:

– Retail stores as well as hairdressers, bookstores and nail salons will remain closed across Greece

– All hunting and fishing activities are banned

– All religious ceremonies will be conducted without the presence of worshipers, while funerals will be taking place with a maximum of nine persons (close relatives)

– The measure of mandatory teleworking is also extended

–  A new aviation directive (NOTAM) issued by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority on Friday, foresees that all passengers entering Greece on flights from any foreign country (including EU member states) must self-isolate for seven days. The new NOTAM is in effect until midnight on January 21.

Furthermore, travelers arriving to Greece from the UK must take a rapid Covid-19 test and self-isolate for 7 days.

– Movement is banned from 9pm until 5am throughout Greece. For movement beyond curfew hours, citizens must send an sms to the five-digit mobile phone service 13033.

Stricter measures announced for Anthili town

The Deputy Minister also informed that stricter restrictions are imposed on the village of Anthili of the municipality of Lamia in central Greece, as of today and until 6am on January 18, due to its heavy epidemiological burden.

Meanwhile, the stricter measures imposed on the village of Kelli of the municipality of Amyntaio in Florina, northern Greece, will be extended for a week until 6am on January 18.

Additional measures include, among others, a stricter curfew (non-essential movement is banned from 6pm until 5am) and the closure of all retail stores.

Greek health authorities on Friday announced 721 new coronavirus cases and 43 deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, the total number of cases in the country has reached 143,494. The Covid-19 death toll in Greece is 5,195.