Athens lockdown: Everything you need to know

From February 11, Athens enters a two-week hard lockdown.

The tough and sudden measures in Athens have been enforced to try to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I will not hide: In the next two months, restrictions may be imposed and lifted depending on the level of alarm,” Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, adding “this is also the last mile towards freedom.”

Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias on Wednesday announced the rules for Athens that will be in force until at least February 28.

Here is what you can and cannot do in Athens during the lockdown

Curfew

• The 9pm-5am overnight curfew will remain on weekdays.
• On the weekend it will be from 6pm-5am.

Masks

Masks must be worn in all public places.

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.

Shop rules

• All shops have the option to open from 7am-8:30 pm (on weekdays) and until 5:30 pm (on Saturdays).
• On Sundays, only grocery stores, patisseries and bakeries are allowed to operate until 5:30 pm.
• Florists can only operate via the “click-away” method during February 13-14.
• *Note: Movement for shopping only lasts for two hours, which begins from the time of sending (and approval) of the SMS for movement.

Businesses that will remain open in Attica:

• Supermarkets
• Grocery stores
• Bakeries
• Pharmacies
• Flower shops
• Pet Shops
• Telecommunication stores (for bill payments and repairing devices)
• Dry cleaning stores
• Gas stations
• Car repair shops (only by appointment, except for emergency cases)

Hospitality

All restaurants, cafes and bars remain closed. However they can offer take away, drive-through and delivery services.

Schools

All schools will be closed and students will learn remotely again.

Churches

Churches can hold services, however without the presence of worshippers.

Up to nine people can attend religious ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms and funerals.

Travel (public transport, ferries, taxis and private cars)

• Public transport (all means): 65% capacity
• Ferries: 50% capacity (65% capacity if a vessel has cabins)
• Taxis: Only two passengers are allowed (underaged children are excluded from the rule)
• Private cars: Only 2 people, including the driver, are allowed per private car (underaged children are excluded from the rule)

Archaeological sites and museums continue to remain closed throughout Greece.

*More on GCT: The 10 most beautiful sculptures in Athens today