Greece extends COVID-19 restrictions until Jan. 7 - China.org.cn

Greece will extend some of the current nationwide lockdown restrictions to Jan. 7, 2021, in order to control the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, it was announced here on Monday.

The new lockdown in Greece started on Nov. 7 and was initially scheduled to end on Nov. 30, but in light of the surging case numbers, it was first extended to Dec. 7 and then to Dec. 14.

Shops selling seasonal decorations opened on Monday and hairdressers and retail shops will gradually reopen in the coming days, government spokesperson Stelios Petsas told a regular press briefing outlining a roadmap to a "safe return to normality."

Citizens will still have to inform the authorities via SMS or in writing when leaving their homes.

Schools, courts, sports venues, hospitality and entertainment venues will remain closed until Jan. 7.