Greece Announces Masks Everywhere, Late Night Curfew as Covid-19 Cases Surge
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday announced two new rules amid rising coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in Greece.
Addressing the Greek public in national broadcast, PM Mitsotakis directed all to wear masks everywhere and announced a late night curfew for areas that are designated as high-risk.
“The coming months are forecast to be difficult and since a general lockdown is not my choice, other measures are required: smarter, more targeted and more efficient measures,” the PM said.
The late night curfew will be in force between 12:30am and 5:00 am and imposed in all areas that appear as high risk (levels 3-orange and 4-red) on the country’s risk-assessment map.
Exempt from the measure are those who work at night and emergencies.
Moreover, the PM said that wearing face masks is now mandatory in all public spaces in Greece.
“Not only indoors but also outdoors. Because the coronavirus lurks everywhere and does not wait at the door,” he said.
Masks must also be worn at restaurants, bars and cafes and can be removed only when sitting at a table. Standing in the specific indoor establishments remains banned.
The prime minister added that checks will be strengthened in all areas to ascertain that the new rules are being followed. Violators will be fined.
“Store owners who do not comply and employers who do not protect their employees will be punished,” he said, adding that teleworking will expand further in Greece, where possible.
The new rules will be put into effect as of Saturday, October 24, from 6am.
Greek health authorities on Thursday announced 882 new coronavirus cases. The total number of Covid-19 cases in Greece has reached 28,216, with the death toll at 549.
ΠΗΓΗ GTP
