Published 16:52 IST, March 16th 2020
Grocery stores begin imposing limits on customers
Grocery stores began regulating the number of customers in their shops Monday as part of sweeping measures aimed at curbing the spread of the new coronavirus.
- World News
- 2 min read
Grocery stores began regulating the number of customers in their shops Monday as part of sweeping measures aimed at curbing the spread of the new coronavirus.
Cards were handed to waiting customers that allowed them to enter and shop.
The cards were then returned when customers paid for their purchase.
Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis said this would allow the store to know that the number of customers never exceeds the permitted number based on the store's square footage.
On Sunday, confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 331, a rise of 103 since Saturday. A fourth death from COVID-19 was confirmed in Greece early Sunday when a 53-year-old man died in the northern city of Thessaloniki.
Ancient sites -- including the Acropolis -- museums, restaurants and cafes remained shut because people were not adhering to advice for social distancing, and because new cases had appeared in various parts of the country. Closures have also been extended to all shopping malls, cafes, bars and restaurants, except those that provide only take-aways or deliveries.
All libraries and beauty salons will also shut.
The country has already shut down schools and universities, gyms, cultural centres, cinemas, theatres and indoor children's play areas.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.
For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.
According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
Updated 16:52 IST, March 16th 2020