Lockdown for schools and catering establishments extended to 7 January

Exceptions to the extension are ski resorts and other approved activities. In the next few days announcements about hairdressers, retail shops and churches will be made.

The ban on travelling between regions has also been extended until the same date as has the night curfew.

"We have said it again and again that if we relax, we'll pay the cost," Mr. Petsas said.

The Government spokesperson pointed out that "On a 7-day basis the average number of daily cases is now 1,609 as against 2,352 for the seven days from 5 to 11 November - the first week of the second  lockdown - and 2,674 from 12 to 18 November, when we had the highest number of new daily cases. The number of patients hospitalised remains high - 4,000 as against 4,079 on 20 November - but the average number of hospital admissions on a 7-day basis is now 343 as against 447 on 20 November and the number of discharges is equal to the number of admissions.

Nevertheless, he said, "With such a large number of intubated patients and occupied ICU beds there is still huge pressure on the National Health System and doctors, nurses and other health workers are making superhuman efforts to provide the best possible service and save lives."