Greeks will have to abide by a number of rules as of November 7 when Greece enters its second national lockdown following a sharp rise in coronavirus (Covid-19) cases.
As of Saturday, the whole country of Greece will be in Level 3-grey status and “subject to special restrictions”.
Being in grey status means that for the next three weeks:
– Wearing a mask is mandatory everywhere in public (indoors and outdoors).
– A 24-hour restriction on movement must be followed (exceptions per time zone apply).
– People are allowed to leave their homes only for specific reasons and must notify authorities by sending an SMS.
– Teleworking is mandatory for 50 percent of employees both in the public and private sectors.
– A number of businesses, including retail stores, bars, cafes and restaurants will remain closed.
Following are instructions for movement and information on which businesses and establishments will be operating and which will be closed for the next three weeks.
Movement restrictions
A 24-hour restriction on movement has been imposed with exceptions. Outside movement is allowed only for specific reasons and by sending an SMS to the five-digit mobile phone service 13033.
What to write in the SMS: Option number/reason of movement (space) home address and send to 13033.
A handwritten document for reason of movement during Greece’s lockdown is also acceptable (instructions are provided below).
NOTE: In case movement is work-related, citizens must have identification on them in the form of an ID or a passport and a type A employer certificate (hard copy) or special self-employment certificate (hard copy) to present in case of inspection by authorities. The document (in Greek) can be obtained online from the website www.forma.gov.gr.
Citizens are allowed movement (with identification on them) outdoors only for the following reasons:
– To go and return from work during working hours (with a type A employer certificate, without sending an SMS)
– To go to a pharmacy or attending an appointment with a doctor (SMS – Option 1)
– To go to the supermarket if it is not possible for groceries to be delivered (SMS – Option 2)
– To go to a public service office with a scheduled appointment and to the bank strictly if online transactions are not possible (SMS – Option 3)
– To provide assistance to people in need or to accompany young students (minors) to/from school (SMS – Option 4)
– To go to a funeral under the conditions provided by law or if divorced/separated parents need to go outdoors for reasons concerning their child/children (SMS – Option 5)
– To exercise outdoors (jogging) or walk a pet, solitary or strictly in pairs and observing the necessary distance of 1.5 meters from one another (SMS – Option 6)
During night hours, movement (with identification) in Greece is allowed strictly for the following reasons:
– Work (with type A employer certificate, without sending an SMS)
– Health (SMS – Option 1)
– To exercise outdoors (close to permanent residence) and to walk a pet (SMS – Option 6)
It is noted that movement for hunting or fishing is not allowed. Both activities are currently banned in the country.
Info for those with an international SIM card
According to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the 13033 service is available from mobile phones with a SIM card of Greek mobile phone providers (Cosmote, Vodafone GR, Wind). In order to use the 13033 service, citizens with an international SIM card can obtain a prepaid connection from the points of sale of the providers. It is reminded that the use of the 13033 service is free of charge.
Handwritten document for reason of movement
A handwritten document explaining reason of movement is also acceptable by Greek authorities. The document must have the following information:
First name/family name
Address
Reason for movement that falls into the permitted categories mentioned above and the address of the destination one is going to.
Date, time and signature
When outside, citizens must have identification on them in the form of an ID or a passport.
How to get to the airport during lockdown
People traveling to airport must have their airline booking with them (printed or in mobile form) and a handwritten statement (signed by the traveler) stating the reason for movement.
NOTE: Individuals caught violating movement restrictions will face strict penalties which reach up to 300 euros.
Transportation/travel rules
Travel by public transport, ferries, taxis and private cars:
Public transport: 65 percent capacity
Ferries: 65 percent capacity
Taxis: Only one passenger is allowed (a second person is allowed to accompany a passenger in need or small children)
Private cars: Only 2 people, including the driver, are allowed per private car (underaged children are excluded from the rule)
Travel by plane
Greece’s airports will remain open to domestic and international travel, as well as the country’s land borders, but restrictions will be in force. Press here for more information.
It is noted that travel between prefectures (domestic travel) is allowed only for:
– returning to permanent residence (proof of residence, such as the E1 tax return form, will be required)
– family reunification
– business reasons
– health reasons
About businesses - services and other useful information
Businesses, establishments that will remain closed during lockdown:
– retail stores
– bars, cafes
– restaurants (take-away and drive-through services will operate)
– museums and archaeological sites
– cinemas
– gyms
– courthouses
– playgrounds
– hairdressers, barbershops and beauty salons (will shut down from Monday, November 9)
The following activities will be suspended:
– all public gatherings
– all performances (theaters, concerts and other performing arts). Only virtual performances are allowed.
– conferences, exhibitions, events
– the operation of Sunday open markets and neighborhood fairs are banned
Measures and rules apply for sports activities; refugee reception and identification centers; farmers markets (laiki) and places of worship.
What that will remain open
Supermarkets and similar establishments (mini markets, bakeries, butcher shops)
– 1 person per 10 sq.m. (4 people 20-100 sq.m. and 1 person for every 10 sq.m. extra)
– All shopping carts and baskets must be frequently disinfected
– Operation until 20:30
– Weekend operation
Banks
Visits to banks are allowed only if specific transactions can not be made online.
Public services
Visits to public service offices are allowed only by appointment.
Hospitals and diagnostic centers
– Patients are allowed only one visitor / chaperone
– Limit of scheduled surgeries up to 80% (oncological and emergency cases are excluded from the restrictions)
Optical and hearing aid stores
Visits to optical and hearing aid stores are allowed only by appointment.
The following establishments will also remain open: dry cleaning stores, kiosks (24 hours), pharmacies, gas stations, veterinary services and pet shops.
It should be noted that some measures and rules are subject to change – with little to no advance notice – based on the latest scientific and research information.