More than 10,000 police personnel will be deployed throughout the country for the New Year's festivities, in order to ensure citizens comply with the covid-19 measures.
"Of primary importance is to not loose at New Year all that we managed to gain at Christmas," Hellenic Police spokesperson Theodoros Chronopoulos told AMNA.
"We must celebrate responsibly and with moderation, taking care and staying healthy," he added.
The restrictions will begin at 22:00 on New Year's Eve (NYE), with a curfew lasting until 5:00 in the morning except for reasons of health, work and to walk household pets, the police said.
During this time, traffic may be interrupted on major roadways, both in Athens and in other big cities, in order to check all vehicles on the road without exception.
The police will also strongly police public spaces, such as squares, public transport and central roads.
New Year's Covid-19 Rules in Greece – Here’s what you need to know:
- No more than nine people (from two households) should gather in the same house, in order to avoid overcrowding.
- The nationwide night curfew from 10pm-5am will continue to apply until. There will be no exception for New Year’s. Exceptions: people who need to leave the house for work, health reasons or a short walk with a pet. They will have to send an SMS to 13033, or have a document from their employer.
- Police will carry out strict and constant checks throughout the country. Those caught violating curfew will face strict fines.
- Churches will be open to the faithful on New Year and Epiphany on January 6, with limits on the number of people allowed inside. There will be a limit of 25 people allowed in churches and up to 50 people in metropolitan cathedrals.
- For movement on New Year's Eve and New Year's, citizens must send an SMS for option 6 to the five-digit mobile phone service 13033.
- Travel between prefectures (domestic travel) in Greece remains prohibited. It is is allowed only for returning to permanent residence, family reunification, business reasons and health reasons.
