Kozani in the West Macedonia region of northwestern Greece has gone into a strict seven day lockdown because of the uncontrollable spread of COVID-19.
The tighter lockdown restrictions began at 06:00 on Saturday after an announcement by Deputy Minister for Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Nikos Hardalias, on Friday.
Under the new restrictions, curfew will begin in at 18:00, three hours earlier than other regions in Greece.
Employees will now need special permits issued by their employers.
Over the next seven days, the retail section is in complete lockdown, including online orders.
Churches will be shut down with the only exception being funerals, in which only 10 attendees will be permitted.
To help fight against the spread of COVID-19, all citizens will be tested for the virus, nursing home staff will be tested every five days, and all residents will be provided with face masks.
There are currently 397 active cases of COVID-19 in the Macedonian town and 81 people are hospitalized.
Of the 397 cases, 199 are in Kozani proper and 134 in Eordea.
