ATHENS – By the end of April, all Greek citizens over 60 years of age and those in vulnerable groups should have received at least one of two vaccination doses, government spokersperson Aristotelia Peloni told Mega TV in an interview.

Peloni said that registration would open for vulnerable groups "within the next few days", and will be followed by people of the general population aged 70-74 and then 65-69.

Asked whether new restrictions would be introduced with the continuing high infection rates, she said, "it appears we have at least ten days to two weeks ahead of us that will be difficult," and said measures depended on developments. The spokesperson referred to the drop in hospitalization rates for those aged 80 or over, noting that this trend will be gradually visible in other age groups as well as vaccinations continue.

"This allows us to look forward to the summer with greater optimism," Peloni said, adding that the government retains the reopening of the retail sector's high priority. "Depending on developments, it will be the first sector to reopen. […] The sector operated in a model way, with customers and business owners respecting the rules, and is a safe way of relieving stress," she asserted.

She added that the military parade for Greece's Independence Day on March 25 will be carried out under strict health protocols and be broadcast on television, as the public will be discouraged from attending.