Greece to Lift a Number of Covid-19 Lockdown Restrictions

A number of lockdown restrictions in Greece, imposed by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), will be lifted on Friday, May 14, it was announced on Wednesday.

Speaking during the Covid-19 evening media briefing, Greek Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Akis Skertsos announced that the government was further easing lockdown restrictions following the recommendation of the country’s health committee.

“We are leaving the lockdown behind us and are opening the economy and tourism,” he said.

More specifically, from May 14:

• the country’s night curfew will begin at 00:30 (until 5am)
• all museums will reopen
• requesting permission for movement via SMS to 13033 and 13032 will be abolished
• restrictions on domestic travel (movement between regions) will be lifted (under rules for travel to the islands)
• the “click away” and “click in shop” methods of shopping in retail stores will be abolished (the rule of one customer per 25 square meters in stores will continue to apply).

Photo source: Athens Chamber of Tradesmen

Skertsos also reminded that:

• day care centers will reopen on May 17
• open-air cinemas (known as “therina”) will reopen on May 21 (on a 75 percent capacity so as to ensure social distancing of customers)
• live cultural events and shows in outdoor areas (only with seated guests) will resume operation on May 28.

Furthermore, from June, weddings and baptisms will be allowed to take place outdoors with a maximum of 100 people.

He added that music will remain banned in restaurants and cafes for all of May.

The lifting of the lockdown restrictions coincides with Greece’s official opening to international travelers.

“The safe arrival, accommodation and departure of our visitors are the basic principles of our plan for the opening of tourism,” Skertsos said.

Further announcements on how Greece will open for tourism are expected to be made by Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis on Thursday.