Greece Brings Forward Covid Measures as Omicron Variant Spreads

(Bloomberg) -- Greece brought forward a batch of measures designed to slow the spread of coronavirus originally due to enter into force next week as cases surge.

Restrictions including an order for restaurants, bars, cafes and night clubs to close at midnight on Jan. 3 will be implemented as of Thursday, Health Minister Athanasios Plevris said in a televised address, adding that the more contagious omircon variant is now predominant in the community.

These venues can operate only with a maximum of six people seated at tables and can no longer play music, Plevris said. The establishments will be allowed to stay open until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, he added. 

Greece reported  21,657 new Covid-19 cases Tuesday, the highest number since the beginning of the pandemic and the second straight record daily reading.

The country is ready to support the sector from the economic fallout of measures if needed, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said Wednesday.

©2021 Bloomberg L.P.