Snow forces Greeks into obligatory holiday

Snowstorm Elpis has forced Greeks in parts of the country to shut down and go into an obligatory holiday following the transportation havoc caused on Monday.

Six areas of Greece including Attica and Crete are now placed on obligatory holiday on Tuesday, following severe problems created by the 'Elpis' snowstorm said Climate Change and Civil Protection Minister Christos Stylianidisduring an emergency evening briefing.

Regions worst affected and shutting down most of their operations include Attica, Boeotia (Viotia), Evia, the Cycladic and Sporades islands and Crete.

Specifically, all public administration offices will be shut down. Exceptions include primary and secondary level local government offices, the Armed Forces and security personnel, public health facilities and other services needed during emergencies.

Mass transportation will operate wherever possible. In particular, trains and trams will operate normally, while buses and trolleys whenever possible.

All schools in the public and private sector at all levels of education - including preschool and distance learning - will not operate on Tuesday. This includes recreation centres for special needs people.

Businesses and the retail sector will be shut down also except for the following: food stores, pharmacies and other health facilities, gas stations, and any other businesses that normally operate on national holidays or which contribute to managing the repercussions of the storm, Stylianidis said.