Gov't eases restrictions on curfew, reopens hair salons & churches, and plans for free Covid tests
Free Covid-19 rapid tests, reopening of parks, archaeological sites and hair salons, and changes in curfew were among the measures announced by the government on Friday, in a live briefing that acknowledged 'lockdown fatigue'.
Introducing the changes, Deputy State Minister to the Prime Minister Aris Skertsos also announced that as of the end of the month or early April, every person with an AMKA (medical insurance) number will be able to acquire a free Covid-19 rapid test per week from pharmacies.
The minister responsible for government coordination reviewed government achievements in the past year - since the first lockdown in March 2020 - and Greece's standing among other EU countries in managing the pandemic. Skertsos also spoke of a "new trust agreement" between the state and citizens and called for less divisive discourse.
The measures relaxing outdoor restrictions are expected to restrict the spread of infections at home parties while maintaining the basic regulations of masks and social distance.
The changes, and the dates of implementation supplied for some, were detailed at the same briefing by Deputy Civil Protection Minister for crisis management:
- Curfew will begin at 21.00, remain the same throughout the week, and end at 00.50 the next morning (as of Saturday, March 20)
- Hair and nail salons will reopen on Monday (March 22)
- Open-air archaeological sites will reopen, with restrictions and a ban on cars and motorcycles
- Public parks will reopen, with restrictions and a ban on cars and motorcycles
- Greek Orthodox cathedrals may reopen with restrictions ahead of Easter on three major religious days this month: March 21, March 25 and March 26
- Amateur fishing is allowed only for residents of coastal areas
In all of the above, mask wearing is obligatory and distances should be kept. For those going to public parks, sites, and fishing, the SMS (text message) code is 6.
Additionally, Hardalias also announced that Myconos and Zakynthos islands, among other areas, will go on a high-alert status as of 06.00 on Saturday, after a rise in coronavirus infections. On the other hand, Samos, Lefkada and Rhodes, which were on high alert, will no longer be so as of Monday but they are not out of danger yet.
