Greece has imposed a strict weekend curfew from 6 pm in major cities and closed shops in the wake of a recent surge in coronavirus infections.

Footage filmed in Thessaloniki last night (February 6) showed police checkpoints and deserted streets.

Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said the only shops which can remain open on weekends as of Saturday will be supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, gas stations and pharmacies.

Police checkpoints, empty streets and sidewalks as Greece imposes a strict weekend curfew from 6 PM in major cities and closes stores in the wake of a recent surge in coronavirus infections. Greek health authorities tightened lockdown measures in the capital Athens, city of Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and Attica regions to stem infection rate.

Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said the only stores to remain open on weekends as of Saturday (Feb. 6) will be supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, gas stations and pharmacies. Traffic will be banned after 6 p.m., from the current 9 p.m. The weekend closure in these regions will also affect hair and beauty salons. Movement from 6 PM to 5 AM is restricted to emergencies, taking pets for a walk, or going to and from work — with all the necessary paperwork completed.