Covid-19: Greece Ready to Impose Measures in High-risk Areas

Greek health authorities have ruled out the possibility of a country-wide lockdown but are noting that local Covid-19 restrictions will be ordered should the need arise.

Most of Northern Greece is on high alert after a surge in cases there with the regions of Halkidiki, Larissa, Kilkis and Thessaloniki listed red as a result of low vaccination rates there.

The country’s Covid-19 committee is now considering ordering mini-lockdowns in these regions and whether to allow the annual October 28 parade traditionally held in Thessaloniki.

Epidemiologists are concerned about the sudden rise in the viral load in at least 12 Greek cities including Volos, Ioannina, Xanthi, Alexandroupolis, Attica, Larissa, and Thessaloniki.

Restrictions for red-listed areas (Level 4) until now include a 1am-6am curfew (work or health-related movement exempt) and a ban on music at bars and cafes.

Referring to the Thessaloniki parade, Development & Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis told SKAI channel that any decisions made will apply to areas depending on risk level. At the same time, the minister reiterated his call to Thessaloniki residents to get vaccinated.

The northern port city appears to have the lowest rate with only 53 percent of the local population having been vaccinated.

“The pandemic is part of our reality and will remain as long as there are fellow citizens who behave as if it does not exist. Refusal of vaccination maintains a situation that is harmful for both citizens and the country,” said Government Spokesperson Giannis Economou.

According to media reports, the committee of Covid-19 experts is also considering admission into all public services to be allowed only to holders of a Covid-19 certificate or recovery document, or with negative rapid test results.

In the last 24-hour period Greece recorded 2,187 new Covid-19 cases  and 44 deaths.