ATHENS (Reuters – Greece has announced additional restrictions starting Jan. 3-16 in order to stop an even greater increase of COVID-19-related infections, including Omicron variants. This is mainly aimed at night-time entertainment venues.

On Monday, confirmed COVID-19-related cases rose to a new record 9,284, leading to 66 deaths. The health minister announced that high protection masks will be mandatory at all supermarkets and other public transportation facilities.

The bar and restaurant will close at midnight. There will also be no customers allowed to stand at the entertainment venues. A maximum of six persons per table will be allowed.

Thanos Plurris, Health Minister said that if these steps aren’t followed we would ban music from entertainment venues.

Also, the government decided to limit attendance at sporting events to 10 percent of their capacity.

Care facilities for elderly are allowed to have visitors if they provide negative results from their PCR tests within the last 48 hours.

The authorities had tightened the regulations already in place last week. They now require that masks be worn openly and prohibit Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Plevris declared that we are now in the “period” of Omicron variation prevalence in Greece.

Athens’ metropolitan area will see the government ask for private hospitals to support the public system in case of emergency.

Plevris instructed those celebrating New Year’s Eve that they “protect their loved one” and not to make contact with others if they are exposed to people at public events during holidays.

Greece had already put in place rules banning unvaccinated people from using indoor or outdoor venues. The government ordered two masks last week or high-protection masks for people using public transport, supermarkets and other places.

Omicron, according to health experts, is more contagious that earlier coronavirus strains. However two recent studies suggest Omicron patients are less likely need hospitalization.