Covid-19: Greeks Eagerly Await for Easing of Movement Restrictions

Photo © Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI)

On the brink of Covid-19 fatigue, Greeks are eagerly waiting for authorities to ease containment measures after Greek Easter allowing non-essential movement into or out of municipalities, domestic travel and scrapping the text message for movement requirement.

Government Spokesperson Aristotelia Peloni confirmed that relevant announcements would be made in the coming days. She added that intra-regional travel is set to open on May 15, when Greece officially opens to all international travelers.

Peloni said authorities will be making the announcement on Wednesday.

“This year’s Easter will mark the country’s transition into the post-pandemic era and its entry into a new period of strong recovery,” said Peloni.

“Our common goal now is a safe Easter and a free summer,” she said.

Currently, Greeks can only travel between municipalities within the region of their permanent residence only on weekends. They are also required to send an SMS for all movement.

Development & Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis said it was still too early to lift the text message requirement, adding that if the country’s vaccination rollout proceeds swiftly then it should be abolished by May 15.

Speaking on SKAI television this week, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary-General Panagiotis Stamboulidis said the SMS requirement will be scrapped for movement to an F&B establishment on May 3, when restaurants and cafes re-open outdoors.

With regard to the opening of restaurants and cafes, Georgiadis underlined that curfew would still apply. “Citizens will have to be home at 11pm,” he said, adding that employees would be exempt.

It is reminded that movement this Easter weekend is allowed between municipalities with a 10pm curfew. Read about the measures for Greek Easter here and here.