Mixed reax in Athens as Greek govt expands restrictions

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

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

Cafe owner Roberto Kosinidis said 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 work increases," he said. "As you understand that patience does not pay (ir) rents nor does it keep families alive."

But Ans resident Panagiotis Anagnostopoulos welcomed tougher approach.

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

That's more than double number reported previous day.