ATHENS — The further lifting of social restrictions which had been imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic was announced by Deputy Minister for Civil Protection & Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias at Wednesday's regular live briefing.

Therefore, as of 06:00 on Saturday June 12, the current overnight curfew will be shortened by one hour; it will begin one hour later at 01:30 until 05:00. On July 1 the measure will end, if epidemiological data allows for it, noted the minister.

On the same day, music at outdoor cafes and restaurants will be permitted anew, while cafes and restaurants at well-ventilated galleries can reopen, but only those which have a separate entrance and exit.

The maximum capacity in live venues is increased to 75 pct from the current 50 pct for audiences up to 1,000 people, to 70 pct for up to 5,000 people, and to 65 pct for venues which can handle up to 15,000 people; any venue larger than 15,000 people will be allowed a fixed maximum of 10,000 attendees.

Additionally, the minister noted that hands-on medical classes at universities can resume on Monday June 14, and so can classes in adult learning centers.

As of July 1, the maximum attendees at wedding receptions and catering services is raised from the current 100 to a maximum of 300.

Speaking at the same briefing, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias said that vaccination of bed-ridden citizens will begin at the end of June, who will be given Johnson and Johnson's single-dose vaccine.

He also reminded reporters that the 25-29 age group can begin booking their vaccination appointments on Thursday.

Another 420,340 vaccination appointments have also opened, of which 240,000 for the Pfizer vaccine, 96,300 for the Johnson & Johnson single shots, and 84,000 for the Moderna vaccine.