SMS 13033 for movement during lockdown

All individuals residing in Greece will be required to send an SMS text message to 13033 in order to obtain permission to leave their homes during the lockdown.

The SMS to 13033 should be formatted as follows: X (one of the digits 1-6 corresponding to the activities below), name, surname and address.

The six reasons (you must SMS) are:

1. Visit to a pharmacy or visit to a doctor if necessary
2. Visit to a supermarket or stores for essential supplies
3. Visit to a bank if e-banking transactions are not possible
4. Visit to people needing assistance or escorting children to and from school
5. Attending a funeral, as per the conditions provided by the law, or visiting children in case of divorced parents
6. Physical exercise outdoors or up to two persons taking their pet for a walk while always observing a 1.5-metre distance.

Alternatively, individuals unable to send SMSs, can fill out the form by hand. There are two types of documents: Document A, which is filled out once by the person going to work, with name, home address, work address, and shift schedule. This will be provided by employers. Document B is for trips not related to work and must be filled out every time a citizen wishes to leave his or her house, instead of an SMS. It must contain name, home address, destination and reason for circulation.

Anyone leaving the house will have to carry a valid identification card or document with them.

What remains open

Most retail trade stores will be shut down, except for supermarkets (no change in hours), local markets, kiosks and the e-commerce section of retail stores.

Opticians and stores selling hearing aids will remain open, but only by appointment.

Stores selling telecoms, computers, and phones will work through e-shops only.

Other stores remaining open include: pharmacies, dry cleaners, kiosks (24 hours), gas stations, health and veterinary service centers, pet shops, and open markets (laikes), which will work at 50% capacity, and distancing of 5 meters between stalls.

Nationwide lockdown

Earlier on Thursday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis officially announced a second nationwide lockdown for Greece for at least three weeks.

Mitsotakis said COVID-19 cases are rising exponentially and has asked people not to attack epidemiological experts, calling this a political decision.

He said he chose “to take drastic measures sooner rather than later” after aggressive increase in cases and emphasized that he cannot take the risk of allowing the health system to come under “unbearable” pressure.

The Prime Minister also ensured that Greece has strong economic buffer to deal with a second nationwide lockdown.

The lockdowns, which will begin at 6AM on Saturday morning, have some difference with the spring lockdown. Unlike in spring, primary schools and kindergartens will remain open.