Greece imposes lockdown on country's second city

Greece's government is imposing a localised lockdown on its second largest city of Thessaloniki and the northern province of Serres, after major increases in the number of coronavirus infections in the areas.

Government spokesman Stelios Petsas announced Monday that residents of Thessaloniki and Serres can only leave their homes for specific reasons, such as to work, exercise or assist someone in need.

Resident will have to send an SMS to authorities when they do so.

All retail stores will be shut, except food stores, supermarkets and pharmacies.

Unlike the lockdown in the spring, schools will remain open.

A 9pm to 5am curfew is also imposed, and people can only leave their homes during those times for health or work reasons.

Petsas said all non-essential domestic and international flights to Thessaloniki's international airport would be halted.

The measures will be in effect for two weeks as of Tuesday.

Thessaloniki and Serres have been at the forefront of a major increase in coronavirus cases in Greece in recent weeks.

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a nationwide curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. and made it compulsory to wear masks outdoors across the country.

Extra measures also come into effect in areas with significant outbreaks, including the capital Athens, on Tuesday morning.

Bars, restaurants, gyms, museums, theatres and cinemas will shut down, with restaurants allowed only to operate on a delivery or takeaway basis.

Team or group sports are banned outdoors, with only individual exercise allowed.

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