Extra Covid-19 Restrictions Announced for Attica

Greek Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias. Photo source: civilprotection.gr

Greek Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias on Tuesday announced extra and stricter measures for the region of Attica, which includes the city of Athens, aimed at curbing the further spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

The new measures were announced taking into account the latest epidemiological data regarding Attica, as more than half of Greece’s Covid-19 cases have been appearing in the region for several days, according to Gkikas Magiorkinis, a Greek infectious diseases expert.

“The big urban centers are the Achilles heel, the incubator of the pandemic,” Magiorkinis said during the Covid-19 briefing to journalists.

Greek health authorities on Tuesday announced 310 new coronavirus cases with 197 found in Attica alone.

The extra measures will run for a period of 14 days, between September 16-30.

New measures – Attica

Syntagma Square, Athens © Maria Theofanopoulou

1. Concerts in open spaces must be held with a 50 percent capacity limit, while all people must be seated. The wearing of masks is mandatory and alcohol and smoking are prohibited.

2. The operation of venues with live music, nightclubs and indoor concert halls will be suspended for 14 days.

3. Open-air/indoor cinemas and theaters can operate at 60 percent capacity. The wearing of masks is mandatory when entering and exiting establishments, but also during performances.

4. The use of a mask is mandatory in all closed workplaces in the public and private sector and at open spaces where the rule of 1.5 meters distance can not be observed such as squares, bus stops and at queues outside of supermarkets. It is strongly recommended for all citizens of Attica to wear masks in all other open spaces as well.

5. Open-air agricultural markets (“laiki”) can operate with only 60 percent of farm producers, per category and with a three-meter distance between each portable bench. It is mandatory for both producers and consumers to wear masks.

6. A strict maximum limit of six people at restaurant or café tables.

According to Magiorkinis, the new measures are aimed at stopping the over-transmission of the coronavirus between strangers in public spaces.

Moreover, Attica’s 50-person limit at all gatherings remains in effect, as does retail stores opening at 10:00 am, with the exception of supermarkets, bakeries and grocery stores.

Citizens over 65 years old both in Attica and all over the country are strongly recommended for general use of masks, as well as to avoid public and private places of high gathering, such as public services, banks, etc.

With Tuesday’s 310 new coronavirus cases, the total number in Greece has risen to 13,730. The death toll in the country has reached 313.