ATHENS — Schools throughout Greece opened on Monday but in completely different conditions than other years, as the pandemic has necessitated changes and a long list of protection measures, starting with the use of face masks by all and the careful cleaning of hands, classrooms and equipment.

Both teachers and pupils must wear a mask at all times in all indoor areas of the school building, as well as outdoor spaces with high levels of crowding, on school buses and during the adjustment period in kindergartens.

If a pupil does not comply with the rules on the use of masks, he will not be allowed to enter the classroom, marked as absent and sent home.

Face masks will be provided and distributed to pupils and teachers by the state at schools on Monday, while junior school children will also be given their own water canteens.

Schools opened in Greece on Monday amid concerns due to a new spike in coronavirus infections and along with resistance by some parents to a regulation stipulating that all children and adults must wear protective face masks.

Education Min Kerameus on new school year: All together we will get through again

"Αll together we will get through once again," underlined Education and Religion Minister Niki Kerameus in her message on the beginning of the new school year on Monday. "We return to school, we observe the measures and listen to our teachers, follow the instructions. We stay safe," she said.

Kerameus expressed her wishes for a happy school year for everyone: " A new school year is beginning with hopes, expectations but also the special conditions of the new normality" underlined the Minister.