ATHENS – Greeks shut out of coveted Easter celebrations and family gatherings in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was raging this year may be allowed to travel for gatherings between regions by using self-test kits.

That would require people to report positive results to a government platform, the New Democracy government having already eased a pseudo-locked that’s technically still on five months after being imposed.

Most non-essential stores are now allowed to open with conditions limiting how many people can shop and for how long or to order online and pick up outside through the click-and-collect method aimed at reducing inside traffic.

The government is expected to announce the extension of self-testing that began with high schools on April 12 to other sectors, including  retail, professional drivers, and delivery workers, said Kathimerini.

The Easter plan is still being drafted for the Holy Week period leading up to the May 2 observance, with churches wanting to open but a government panel of doctors and scientists checking epidemiological data regularly.

Travelers would have to present a negative self-test taken in the previous 48 hours and present them at toll stations, which could present massive queues there with people expected to flee to their villages if allowed.