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the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a month-long “action plan” that doubles the country’s coronavirus restrictions, he writes. Helena smith, The Guardian correspondent in Athens.
Addressing the nation, the center-right leader said that as of Tuesday the country would be divided into two zones: a high-risk red and orange zone and a less threatened yellow and green zone.
Athens and Thessaloniki, which have already been hit hard by an alarming rise in confirmed coronavirus cases, will be included in the former with restaurants, gyms, theaters, cinemas and museums closed from 6 a.m. on November 3.
The use of masks will be mandatory throughout the country, indoors and outdoors, while 50% of the workforce, both in the public and private sectors, will have to work from home, compared to 40% previously. A nationwide curfew will also be imposed between midnight and 5 a.m.
“My address today is what I never wanted to have to do,” Mitsotakis said. But it is impossible to close your eyes to the harsh reality. I am forced, once again, to put the health and safety of Greeks before any other choice. ”
Unlike the close this spring, the industrial sector and retail outlets will not be affected by the new measures in an effort to keep the economy going. Schools will remain open and travel between regions will also be allowed.
Infections in Greece broke a new record on Friday, when health authorities recorded 1,690 new cases, up from 1,211 on Thursday, bringing the total number to 37,1965.
Deaths from Covid-19 rose to 620 after the National Public Health Organization (EODY) recorded another five deaths. Friday’s infections marked the fourth day in a row that confirmed cases have surpassed 1,000, up from a low number of hundreds just weeks ago.
Mitsotakis, like other leaders, wants to avoid a blanket lockdown because of the devastating effects it will have on an economy that is already one of the weakest in the EU.
Greece has done relatively well compared to other European countries, but an increase in coronavirus cases has put “the greatest pressure ever” on the healthcare system and therefore needs to be addressed, the prime minister said earlier. This week.
