Strict COVID-19 lockdowns across Greece until January 11 - Closed schools, shops

A strict lockdown across Greece until January 11 to curb the spread of COVID-19 has once again been imposed.

"From tomorrow, January 3, at 6:00 in the morning until the morning of January 11 at 6:00, we stay home. The bell will ring again on January 11 in schools," said government spokesperson Stelios Petsas.

"We are playing defense with the necessary measures to deal with the virus, as the improvement is difficult and slow," said Petsas, emphasizing that children must return safely to schools.

Thus, according to what the government spokesman announced:

• Hairdressers and churches close.
• Curfew from tomorrow will be in force again from 9:00 pm.
• The government's goal is to open schools to all grades on January 11.

Specifically, as he said, the "click away" delivery in the commercial stores, the operation of bookstores, hairdressers, nail care services and hunting and fishing activities stop.

The travel ban is also restored to the strictest hours, from 21:00 until 5:00 in the morning.

The exceptions are employees and those in need of medical assistance.

Churches will remain closed to the faithful and there will be no sanctification on the day of the Epiphany .

In essence, Petsas spoke of COVID-19 "precautionary measures" aimed at gradually restarting the economy from January 11.

This decision was taken in order to limit the dispersion of COVID-19 to the absolute, after the Christmas holidays, so that in a week (January 11) there will be the possibility to open the schools.

40 new deaths, 262 new coronavirus cases announced in Greece. Very few tests done.

Total confirmed cases: 139,709

Total deaths: 4,921

Intubated in ICU: 431 (+2)

Discharged from ICU: 896 (+3)

Total tests: 2,820,861 (+3,156) 

Total rapid tests: 595,064 (+1,642)