Churches and beaches set to open this weekend in Greece

With the temperatures reaching 40 degrees, Greece will open 515 organised beaches from this Saturday, churches from Sunday and gradually additional businesses, museums and archaeological sites. However, the government stresses that this is a big test, citizens and businesses will have to comply with the new security measures, while the fines for violators will reach 20,000 euros.

Source: Supplied

The high temperatures in Greece are more reminiscent of summer than spring and many  want to cool off on the blue beaches. Evaluating the scientific and weather data, the government decided to open 515 organised beaches in the country. "There will be specific rules and their implementation will be controlled," said government spokesman Stelios Petsas.

"Everyone is watching Greece because so far we have shown exemplary treatment of the pandemic. Now we are called to show that with rules and maturity we can enjoy the beauties of our homeland safely this summer as well ", he said and added:

This will be the best passport to restart not only domestic but mainly international tourism.

Churches are being opened for sacraments and services

From Sunday 17/5 churches will open for Divine Liturgy as well as sacred sacraments with the numbered presence of believers. "Of course, always with respect to the recommendations of the experts on the number of believers in each area and the necessary distances between them," said Mr. Petsas.

From Monday, interregional travel is allowed as well as travel to and from Crete.  On Monday, the zoos and botanical gardens open, the archeological sites reopen, rehearsals and filming will begin again, with strict protection rules, "he added.

"It is self-evident and we do not stop emphasizing that the path to the new normality follows the safety rules," he said.

For his part, the Minister of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, called for a faithful implementation of the rules, emphasizing that the fines will reach up to 20,000 euros with a three-month ban on operation. In the first violation, the fine will be from 5,000 to 20,000 euros, depending on the sq.m. and the operation of the business will be suspended for 30 days. In case of a second violation, both the fine and the period during which the operation of the company will be suspended will be tripled.

Source: SBS Greek

According to the latest figures in Greece, another death was reported, bringing the total death toll from coronation to 156 and ten new cases, with a total of 2,770. Infection professor Sotiris Tsiodras stressed that the virus has not disappeared and no one can rule out that it will become an endemic virus.

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