Greece tightens COVID-19 lockdown, shuts primary schools

LOUISA GOULIAMAKI / AFP

Greek authorities announced on Saturday the closure of nurseries and primary schools until the end of November, tightening a nationwide lockdown after a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Greece has fared better than many other European countries in tackling the coronavirus, mainly due to an early nationwide lockdown imposed weeks after the pandemic broke out in February.

A gradual increase in infections since early October has forced authorities to re-impose restrictions and order a second nationwide lockdown, which expires at the end of November and includes a night curfew from 9 pm to 5 am.

On Saturday, the government tightened the measures further, closing primary schools and nurseries from Monday for two weeks until the end of the lockdown period. Distance learning has already been implemented in secondary schools and universities.

Greece registered 3,038 new coronavirus cases on Friday. On Thursday it recorded 3,316 new infections and 50 deaths, the highest daily tolls recorded during the pandemic so far. 

More from International news

News

  • Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives resumes food aid to Gaza

    In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) has announced the resumption of food aid deliveries worth AED43 million to the Gaza Strip,

  • DoH launches Future Health Initiative

    Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Future Health – A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi (Future Health) has been launched by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).

  • Salik to apply peak-hour toll rates for Dubai Ride

    Toll gate operator Salik said it will charge peak-hour fees on Sunday, November 2, as the Dubai Fitness Challenge's first flagship event - Dubai Ride - gets underway.