Adonis Georgiadis

A sudden rise in coronavirus infections in Attica this past week prompted the government to impose stricter measures across the board in the largest region of the country as of Saturday, focused mainly on the market and on delaying the return of grades 10-12 to classrooms.

One of the government's public health advisers on Wednesday defended the night-time curfew on movement as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Newly appointed Greek government spokesman Christos Tarantilis announced the makeup of the government on Monday, following a reshuffle by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis that saw most key ministers stay put.

Government officials agree that any discussions with the advisory committee of health experts on the further reopening of retail commerce cannot take place before early January, indicating a resumption of trade after the expiry of the latest lockdown on January 7.

The government will decide in January whether to partially reopen the retail sector following consultations with the expert committee advising on the coronavirus, according to ministers on Tuesday.

Speaking to Skai radio station, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said the talks with the experts will be held "next week."

Members of the Rouvikonas (Greek for Rubicon) group splashed paint and scattered fliers outside the residence of Apostolos Vakakis, the CEO of Greek toy and seasonal items retailer Jumbo, in an overnight protest over labor rights.

A bookstore prepares for Monday's opening with a limit of four customers per 100 square meters. Hair salons also open Monday. Visits to both can be done only by appointment. Also Monday, retail stores will inaugurate the click-and-collect system, which allows customers to physically pick up items they have bought online or by phone.

The 2nd Southeast Europe and East Med conference organized by the Delphi Economic Forum and the Hellenic American Leadership Council, is taking place online this Wednesday, from 3.30 till 9.45 pm.

Government spokesman Stelios Petsas and Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis will announce the restrictions on the retail sector that will apply during the holiday season on Friday at 11 a.m.

Reports said that the reopening will be "reasonable and conservative," as per the recommendations of the committee of health experts advising the government on Covid-19.
 

Hair salons will likely open on Saturday or Sunday, the Athens Chamber of Commerce announced on Thursday, citing a telephone conversation between the head of the body, Yiannis Hatzitheodosiou and Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis.

The Chamber said these businesses will open first as it is believed that it is easier to enforce the health protocols.