ATHENS – It was a long time coming during the COVID-19 pandemic but Greece on May 31 will allow gyms and open sports facilities to reopen but masks won't be required for exercises that are aerobic.

Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said with strict hygiene measures will otherwise be enforced although it wasn't said what exercises could be done without masks, such as treadmills but not weightlifting.

The differentiation is being made for exercises that are too difficult to while wearing a mask is heavy breathing is involved that could be compromised with a face covering.

The ministry said that people joining aerobics classes will have to keep a three-meter (9.84 foot) distance from each other without explaining how that could happen in small rooms or with a number of people.

Those exercising in a gym may wear either two plain masks together or a single mask of the KN95 or FFP2 types the guidelines said although some advice has indicated that two masks make it difficult to breathe while exercising.

He also said that the percentage of compulsory remote work will be decreased to 25 percent from 50 percent, both in the private and public sector and repeated that music still isn't allowed at restaurants where only outdoor dining is allowed.