Update – 23/03/2020

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 diagnosed cases in Greece is 624 at the moment. 15 people have died and 19 people have recovered. 34 cases have been reported as severe.

On Sunday March 22 the Greek government announced that a nationwide lockdown will come into effect starting at 06:00 (local time) on Monday, March 23 to prevent further spread of the coronavirus disease. Per the directive, all citizens and residents are being requested to stay home.

Specific exemptions to the lockdown are: going to work, visiting a doctor, shopping, including for medicines, leaving home to provide assistance to vulnerable family members, especially the elderly and children, going out for exercise – solitary or in pairs – and walking the dog. Everyone must carry an ID or passport with them along with proper documentation validating their reasons for movement. Those found in violation of the lockdown or lacking the proper documentation will be subject to a 150-euro fine.

SCHOOLS:

• The Greek government announced on Friday, March 20 that it will extend the period during which schools, kindergartens and universities and other educational establishments will remain closed until Monday, April 27, when schools would close anyway for the Easter vacation.

OTHER RESTRICTIONS

• Stricter regulations for the operation of supermarkets were announced on Saturday, March 21. As of Monday, March 23, stores will have to keep to a limit of one customer per 15 square meters. Street markets will be closed on Saturday and, as of Monday, March 23, will be obliged to operate under new rules, reducing the area they cover by 50 percent and ensuring that stalls are set up at least 5 meters away from each other.

TRAVELING:

• The Greek Health Ministry announced on Monday, March 23 that it is suspending all connections to Turkey and the United Kingdom as part of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The decision will apply from 6 a.m. on March 23 to 3 p.m. on April 15.
• With regard to Turkey, it was decided to also temporarily restrict maritime, rail and road connections. Exceptions to the rule are Greek citizens in Turkey and the transport of goods by ships or trucks.
• Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias announced that from 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, only permanent residents and supply trucks will be allowed to travel to the Greek islands. People from the mainland who are already on the islands will be allowed to return. Also, as of Saturday, March 21, private boats of all kinds will be banned from departing or docking at Greek ports.

GOVERNMENTAL AID PACKAGE:

• In the bid to prop up the economy in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced additional measures on Thursday, March 19, to the tune of 10 billion euros. In addition to the 3.8 billion euros in measures already allocated, about 3 billion more will be allocated to support the economy from the state budget – and at least the same amount through the restructuring of ESPA (National Strategic Reference Framework). This does not include the provision of additional liquidity to businesses from the available financial tools.
• Beneficiaries will include self-employed professionals and those who have been fired or forced to resign since March 1.

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