Stores prepare for reopening as Athenians flock to the beaches

The retail sector was preparing for its reopening next Monday, after the government allowed stores to operate tentatively in an effort to help the economy and tackle lockdown fatigue.

However, stores in the administrative regions of Thessaloniki, Kozani and Achaia will remain closed at least until April 12, after health experts decided on Friday that the epidemiological data in these regions did not allow for any relaxation of the rules.

In other regions, shoppers will be allowed to order products remotely and collect them from outside stores (click-away) or book an appointment to go to a shop (click-in-shop) by sending a message with their name and address to 13032. The time limit for purchases is three hours per day.

On Saturday, Athenians rushed to parks and beaches taking advantage of the good weather and the relaxation in rules on inter-municipal movements.

Roads along Athens’ southern coast were busy as people from other districts were able to drive to the beach.