Road map for restrictive measures over the festive period to be announced on Friday

Government spokesperson Stelios Petsas said that the government’s final decision is expected at the end of the week on the road map of restrictions that will be enforced over the festive period as regards movement from region to region, SMS, retail trade, churches and haird salons.

Talking to ANT1 TV, Mr. Petsas said that catering establishments will remain closed until 7 January, stressing that this referred to cafes, bars and restaurants.

Regarding the SMS for going out, he said that they will remain in force after the retail businesses reopen and pointed out that people will be allowed to shop outside their municipal area.

The government spokesman also indicated that the current 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew might be made shorter, in the event that shops reopen over the holidays.

“Naturally, [curfew] hours will have to be adjusted if retail reopens,” he said. “First because operating hours will be extended to prevent overcrowding and second so that people have enough time to get back home.”

He hinted that there may be special provisions for movement on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day but said that this will be decided nearer the time.

Concerning travel between regions, Mr. Petsas said this will continue to be prohibited for holidaymakers, but may be allowed for students and people working away from their main area of residence so that they can spend the holidays with their families.

On the issue of churches, the government spokesperson indicated that the announcement regarding their reopening will be made at the end of the week. "You can’t open retail and keep churches closed,” he said.

Source: Kathimerini.gr