Greek PM Expects Return to Normalcy in May

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday expressed his confidence that the country will return to normalcy in the aftermath of Covid-19 with the restart of economic activity next month and added that announcements with regard to measures should be expected shortly.

In the meantime, Government Spokesperson Aristotelia Peloni confirmed on Wednesday morning that the government was against allowing movement between regions for Orthodox Easter which is on May 2. “We should not risk transferring the viral load from areas with high rates to other parts of the country,” she said in interview to SKAI television.

Peloni underlined that decisions or changes to current measures may be announced in the coming hours and are aimed at ensuring a “freer summer”. She went on to stress that Easter services traditionally held at midnight will this year take place at 9pm and that only two families will be allowed to gather per household. She added that police inspections will be ongoing.

Tourism marks the return to normalcy

The government spokesperson said restarting activities and easing measures will be done when it is safe to do so, referring firstly to tourism when Greece opens on May 14.

Primary and high schools are slated to open on May 10 and authorities are already working with the F&B sector to allow the opening of restaurants and cafes outdoors with strict protocols also set for mid-May. 

Shops are also expected to operate without the current three-hour time limit and SMS requirement after Easter.

She added that the government was counting on self-testing as an important tool in the fight against Covid-19.

Announcements concerning Easter measures and the re-opening of other activities were made Wednesday evening.