Greece Extends Second Lockdown Until December 7

Athens, Greece. Photo source: Visit Greece / Y. Skoulas

Greece will extend its second nationwide lockdown until 6am on Monday, December 7, in efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) and limit the rising number of intubations and fatalities, Greek government spokesperson Stelios Petsas announced on Thursday.

According to Petsas, the lockdown’s extension was considered necessary due to increased infection rates in the country, especially in areas where the number of cases is very high compared to the population such as Thessaloniki, Serres, Larissa, Etoloakarnania, Lesvos and Achaia.

“There are some first signs that the number of Covid-19 cases is decreasing. If this continues, the pressure on Greece’s national health system will start to ease. Then, we will be able to plan the gradual return to normality,” Petsas told reporters.

He also asked citizens to comply with the measures, especially in areas with a high number of infections.

Greek government spokesperson Stelios Petsas

According to Petsas, the government is closely monitoring developments with the help of health experts and will announce “the next steps” when more information is available on the course of the pandemic.

He added that the government’s goal is for Greeks to remain healthy and enter a new era from spring 2021 with the vaccine. In the meantime, he said, the government continues to support the national heath system.

Greece’s second lockdown began on November 7, due to pressure on its health system, and was initially planned to last until the end of the month.

On Wednesday, Greek authorities announced 2,152 confirmed cases and 87 deaths.