ATHENS — Hairdressing salons reopened on Monday, as part of a series of measures announced by the government on Friday that included free Covid-19 rapid tests, the reopening of parks and archaeological sites, the resumption of amateur fishing and changes in curfew.

The measures relaxing outdoor restrictions are expected to restrict the spread of infections at home parties while maintaining the basic regulations of masks and social distance.

The changes, and the dates of implementation supplied for some, were detailed at the same briefing by Deputy Civil Protection Minister for crisis management:

– Curfew will begin at 21:00, remain the same throughout the week, and end at 00.50 the next morning (as of Saturday, March 20)

– Hair and nail salons will reopen on Monday (March 22)

– Open-air archaeological sites will reopen, with restrictions and a ban on cars and motorcycles

– Public parks will reopen, with restrictions and a ban on cars and motorcycles

– Greek Orthodox cathedrals may reopen with restrictions ahead of Easter on three major religious days this month: March 21, March 25 and March 26

– Amateur fishing is allowed only for residents of coastal areas

In all of the above, mask wearing and social distancing is obligatory. For those going to public parks, sites, and fishing, the SMS (text message) code is 6.

It takes days to measure the epidemiological footprint of the activities opening, Stampoulidis says

It will take several days to measure the epidemiological 'footprint' of the activities that are opening, the Secretary General of Commerce and Consumer Protection, Panagiotis Stampoulidis, said in an interview to Mega TV regarding the reopening of hairdressers, beauty salons and archaeological sites on Monday.

Asked if retail would reopen on March 29, he said: "We need to find a gradual return to normalcy without causing a shock or pressuring the health system. The first step was taken. We will measure it. This is a difficult week. Let's see how the pandemic develops. It takes time to measure the first step."

On the resumption of activities, he said: "Some outlets for socialisation must be provided. The first step of opening is safe. Businesses can ensure the right number of people in their stores. Violations are almost zero in these areas. To see that we can work together as a society so as not to burden the health plan."