Covid-19 Lockdown Keeps Greeks at Home for Easter

Greeks will not be taking their Easter holidays in the countryside as is common practice in view of strict measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Greek Government Spokesperson Stelios Petsas said on Monday, that Easter will be celebrated differently this year.

“This year we will not celebrate Easter in the village… we will not go to church. We will celebrate at home keeping the faith that we will succeed,” said Petsas, stressing the importance of staying home to protect the people we love most.

Greece has been on lockdown since March 23 in attempts to contain the spread of Covid-19 with police patrolling for violators.

With a total of 1,212 confirmed cases and 43 deaths on Monday, Greece has so far managed to limit the spread of the deadly virus compared to neighboring countries Italy and Spain.

Meanwhile, the government has extended its emergency measures for private businesses, shops and public spaces, extending the shutdown by two weeks to April 11.

According to media reports, authorities may also tighten measures even further in view of Greek Orthodox Easter on April 19, when Greeks traditionally leave the city en masse.

Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Monday, that he expects a first assessment of the effectiveness of the measures on April 15, underlining the importance of staying home for the month ahead, which he said is of “critical importance”.