Supermarkets across Greece will restrict the number of customers allowed inside a shop at the same time, starting of Monday, March 16. The measure to contain spread of coronavirus became essential after thousands of Greeks crowded in supermarkets for panic buying on Saturday.
The number of customers allowed inside at any given time will depend on the size of the premises, Deputy Development Minister Nikos Papathanassis told TV station OPEN on Sunday morning.
He added that, to further encourage people to stay home, supermarkets will be allowed to make deliveries on Sundays.
The controlled entrance in supermarkets will be enforced by private security personnel, media report.
According to a relevant ministerial decision, one customer is allowed for 10 square meters, while customers must keep a distance of 2 meters while waiting at cash registers.
Supermarkets will have to place hand sanitizers at the entrances and take protection measures for their personnel.
Authorities urge citizens to avoid payments with cash and prefer the “plastic money.”
“There is enough sufficiency (in products) for three months. Citizens do not need to rush” to buy, the deputy minister said.
Greeks rushed to supermarkets as early as Saturday morning, following the government decision to close cafes, bars and restaurants announced late on Friday.
High on demand were detergents, toilet paper, pasta and other items with long expiring date.
People belonging to high risk groups found their way wearing masks and gloves. A woman told media that she had to go shopping because she belongs to vulnerable groups and she plans to stay home for a longer time.
pictures sources: cnngreece.gr, newsit.gr, protothema.gr
