The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is the cause for the cancellations of Christmas celebrations in the Greek peninsula of Chalkidiki, due to the high number of coronavirus infections, announced the five mayors of the region on Monday.
The mayors of Aristotelis, Polygyros, Nea Propontida, Sithonia and Cassandra said that the number of pandemic infections in northern Greece "does not allow us to decide on the basis of sentiment."
They added however that in recognition of "the need of old and young alike to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, we shall go ahead with Christmas decorations in all our communities."
The announcement comes days after Greek government spokesperson Yiannis Economou said the government had no plans for future lockdowns during an interview with the Sunday edition of Kathimerini newspaper.