Greece: Stage 3 of Easing Covid-19 Restrictions – Shopping Malls to Open

Photo source: The Mall Athens

Greece on Monday, May 18, will take its third step of easing lockdown measures, taken to limit the spread of Covid-19, and restarting its economy.

The Ministry of Development and Investment has confirmed that the country’s shopping malls have been included in “Stage 3” and will reopen their doors to consumers, two weeks earlier than originally planned.

Having studied the data on the pandemic’s course in Greece, the health ministry’s infectious disease specialists have advised that shopping malls could open earlier than June 1.

Moreover, the infectious disease specialists also gave the go ahead for the reopening of restaurants, cafes and bars on May 25 as opposed to June 1, which was the initial date announced.

Greece: Stage 3 of easing Covid-19 restrictions

Travel movements

On Monday, May 18, Greece will lift the measure that currently restricts citizens to their home prefectures and allow travel throughout the country on the mainland, as well as travel to the islands of Crete and Evia (by road).

Travel to the other Greek islands is still prohibited for the general public, with restrictions expected to be lifted as of Monday, May 25.

Archaeological sites

Archaeological sites will reopen to the public with new visitor rules on May 18. A restricted number of visitors will be allowed to enter each archaeological site (depending on its size) and will be required to keep a safe distance of 1.5 meters from one another. Staff will be present to regulate the entry-exit flow of the public. Visitors are advised to wear face masks and have an alcohol-based hand antiseptic with them. Greece’s sites will be open between 8am and 8pm. It is reminded that Greece’s museums will open on June 15.

Zoos and botanical gardens

Photo source: Attica Zoological Park

Visitors to Greece’s zoos and botanical gardens should maintain a two-meter distance from one another and it is recommended for all to wear facemasks. The holding of events or any kind of performances is prohibited.

Schools
Secondary school pupils will be allowed to return to class.

Which businesses will reopen

As of May 18, the following business categories will open their doors following the six-week lockdown:

Photo source: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens

– Retail businesses in shopping malls, discount malls, outlet stores. The opening hours of stores have been set at 10am. It is noted that restaurants and cafes in shopping malls will remain closed until the government announces otherwise.

– Businesses offering:
Dietary and body care services, beauty salons (not gyms)
Decoration services (for weddings, baptisms, etc)
Pet training services

Daily opening hours (optional): from 7 am until 10 pm, Saturday: 7 am until 9 pm.

Social distancing rules

The government has made a strong recommendation for the use of a face mask by store/shop employees and customers.

Customers in all stores and business spaces must maintain a distance of 1.5 meters between each other. Other restrictive rules have been announced for owners regarding how many people are allowed in one space, depending on the size.

For shopping malls, discount malls and outlet stores specifically, one customer per 20 sq.m. is allowed.

For businesses offering any of the aforementioned services, workers should maintain a two-meter distance from one another, while customers are allowed to enter only after making an appointment by phone and email (an appointment book must be kept by all businesses).

It is also recommended for elevators not to be used. If their use is deemed necessary, only 40 percent of their load capacity is allowed to be covered. If malls have escalators then elevators are to be only used by customers with a disability or by the elderly.

Staff of businesses offering any of the aforementioned services must wear face masks and disposable gloves.

Further information on coronavirus-related restrictions in Greece that have been lifted already can be found below:

Greece Stage 1 of Easing Covid-19 Lockdown Restrictions

Greece Stage 2 of Easing Covid-19 Lockdown Restrictions