Mixed reax in Athens as Greek govt expands restrictions

People in Greece had mixed reactions Thursday on the first day of new measures to curb the latest COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

The measures include a ban on music at all commercial venues over the New Year.

Cafe owner Roberto Kosinidis said the new restrictions, which include earlier closing times for several kinds of businesses, mean that he won't be able to pay his employees a full salary.

"A cafe supports families, supports people and we as owners have to ask for patience from our staff until the work increases," he said. "As you understand that patience does not pay the (their) rents nor does it keep families alive."

But Athens resident Panagiotis Anagnostopoulos welcomed the tougher approach.

The restrictions were originally supposed to take effect on January 3, but are being brought into force early after the daily number of infections rocketed to nearly 22,000 on Tuesday.

That's more than double the number reported the previous day.