High schools in Greece reopening on February 1

Grade 7-12 students will return to in-person learning starting February 1, Greece's Education Minister Niki Kerameus announced last week.

High schools have been closed for several weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The pandemic does not stop education,” Kerameus said.

"Everyone is looking forward to getting back to school and stressing the importance of going back to class. And for the government, the reopening of schools for life has been a priority from the first moment," she added.

The minister also encouraged teachers and students to sign up for a free coronavirus test at edu.testing.gov.gr which is purely a “preventive nature."

“I would like to warmly thank the primary school teachers who have responded to this opportunity, and we call on secondary school teachers, as well as students over the age of 16, to take advantage of this opportunity for a free examination,” she said.

Universities, private colleges and tuition centers, language centers, and adult learning centers will all continue to operate via distance learning.

Two weeks ago, kindergartens, primary schools and special education schools reopened.

Moreover, the nationwide lockdown measures remain in effect.

The maximum number of passengers in taxis now goes up to 2 (besides the driver), from the current 1.

SMS 13033 for movement

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.

*More on GCT: Greece continues to be the only EU country with ‘green’ zones on coronavirus map