The approaching Christmas and other Christian holidays will be held in Greece without traditional Christmas carols — thus the authorities want to protect the country from the spread of coronavirus infection.
This is reported by the Ekathimerini edition, referring to the Deputy Minister of Civil Defense Nikos Hardalias.
In addition, the authorities have banned religious services, except for Christmas, which the Greeks celebrate according to the Western tradition, that is, December 25, New Year, as well as Epiphany (January 6).
And even on these days, there will be a limitation on the number of visitors to churches: up to 25 people for small churches and up to 50 for large cathedrals. For parishioners, a prerequisite is a mask during the entire ritual.
Other restrictions in Greece remain the night curfew introduced in November (from 21:00 to 5:00), as well as enhanced police checks on compliance with quarantine measures during the holidays.
It is worth noting that as of December 22, 132,430 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Greece, of which 4,340 were fatal.
It should be reminded that earlier the country’s authorities raised fines to 300 euros for the absence of a protective mask in a public place or even just on the street.
