Greece bans gatherings of more than 10 people and will impose administrative fines to each person above the cap, head of Civil protection Nikos Hardalias announced on Wednesday afternoon. Government spokesman Stelios Petsas clarified that the ban refers to gatherings not only outside but also inside. “there cannot be that there is such a ban and 10-15 people gather in a home,” he said stressing that “it is the crowding that has to be avoided to contain the virus spread.”
At the same time, the head of Civil Protection announced also recommended “restrictions” for people needing to go outside.
“Public gatherings with 10 or more people are strongly discouraged,” those violating the ban will be fined with 1,000 euros per person.
Urging people to stay home and to avoid contact with people outside their immediate family, Hardalias announced a new series of movement restrictions
Out-of-home traffic should be limited to the minimum only for very specific reasons and to the extent necessary to serve vital needs only.
Acceptable exceptions are exclusively for:
Transition to work
Visit to the doctor
Visit a grocery store when no online service
Go to the post office for absolutely necessary mail
Go to the bank and the petrol station
Move to help people in need
Outdoor exercise individually or with another person while keeping a distance of 1.5 meters.
Dog walking
Businesses must operate remotely. Where by the nature of the business this is not possible, businesses will operate with the necessary staff and on rotation.
A special recommendation to “call centers” is the 2-meter safety distance between employees.
Tempted by the fair and sunny weather, Greeks continue to ignore the recommendations to #StayHome.
Video: Thessaloniki
— Αλ Μπάντι (@donald_duck555) March 18, 2020
The Mayor of Thessaloniki is reportedly considering to cordon the promenade and prohibit access.
In the last two days I have seen young and old people sitting in our neighborhood park keeping a distance of 2 meters. But many of them forget the safety distance when they leave, like the two grannies who walked home with their grandchildren, all together close to each other: a cheerful company that enjoyed the sun and the fresh air…
For now, the Greek government has recommendations for movement outdoors. If the situation continues like this, a total lockdown is not far.
For more KTG information on coronavirus in Greece including measures to contain the spread click here.
