Coronavirus: Greece reintroduce SMS authorisation for movement as country enters second lockdown

People will need to send a text or fill a form, providing their name, address and the reason they are leaving their house for.

By Aisha Zahid, news reporter

Saturday 7 November 2020 13:44, UK

Police checks people's movement permits at a roadblock in central Athens on November 7, 2020 on the first day of a three-weeks lockdown. - Greek goverment imposed a nationwide lockdown as of November 7, to curb the spread of the Covid-19 (novel coronavirus). (Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI / AFP) (Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Image: Police have been checking people's movement permits
Why you can trust Sky News

Residents in Greece will need to obtain permission before leaving their homes as the country's second lockdown comes into force.

Similar to measures adopted during the first lockdown, people will be required to send a text message to a five-digit number, providing their name, address and the reason why they need to leave their house.

The country's digital governance minister announced the permissible reasons on Thursday.

A woman wearing a protective face mask walks next to closed shops in Thessaloniki on November 3, 2020. - Greece announced a two-week lockdown on November 2 on its second largest city of Thessaloniki to try to contain a spike in coronavirus cases. Everything will remain closed, except for schools, and those wanting to leave their homes will have to seek permission via text message. (Photo by Sakis MITROLIDIS / AFP) (Photo by SAKIS MITROLIDIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Image: Only essential shops are allowed to remain open

They include visiting a pharmacy or doctor, going to a supermarket or other shops for essential items, going to a bank if online banking cannot be used.

People can also visit those who need assistance, take children to school, visit children if parents are divorced, exercise outdoors, take a pet for a walk and attend a funeral.

When out, a form of ID must also be carried, and a form detailing the reason for leaving home if texting is not possible.

Greece announced a second lockdown on Thursday to help curb a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections.

More from World

The lockdown, which will last three weeks, will see the closure of retail outlets, with exemptions for supermarkets, pharmacies and pet shops.

Greek PM Mitsotakis announces nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announces a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in a news conference at the Maximos mansion in Athens, Greece, November 5,2020. Dimitris Papamitsos/Greek Prime Minister's Office/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.
Image: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the lockdown on Thursday

High schools will also shut and move to teaching remotely while primary schools will remain open.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said the healthcare system would face "unbearable" pressure if a lockdown was not implemented.

He said: "I've chosen to take drastic measures sooner rather than later."

According to officials, coronavirus cases increased by 20% within the last week.

Passenger walks in the airport of Thessaloniki, northern Greece on November 3, 2020. - Greece announced a two-week lockdown on its second largest city of Thessaloniki to try to contain a spike in coronavirus cases. Flights to and from Thessaloniki airport have been suspended under the measure, which came into force early November 3, 2020, and also affects the northern city of Serres. Everything will remain closed, except for schools, and those wanting to leave their homes will have to seek permi
Image: Arrivals into Greece will need to provide proof of testing negative for coronavirus from Monday

The country recorded 2,917 new infections on Thursday - its highest daily tally since the outbreak began in February.

A total of 702 deaths have been recorded, with a record 29 of these happening on Thursday.

From Monday, arrivals into Greece will need to provide proof of testing negative for coronavirus within 48 hours of travel.

Hairdressers will also be allowed to operate until Monday to meet demand after the lockdown announcement saw a surge in bookings.

The Syriza party, the main opposition, has been critical of the government's failure to support the health care system, with MP Alexis Haritsis adding that "the government has undermined the magnitude of this crisis".

Greece predicts that its economy will shrink by 8.2% this year as a result of the pandemic.