Face masks at outdoor public spaces optional as of Thursday

Deputy Minister for Civil Protection & Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias made the relevant announcement during Wednesday's regular live briefing.

The minister did clarify, however, that wearing a face mask is still required at all indoor public spaces without exception, including public transport.

Hardalias also provided a series of updates concerning the further lifting of restrictions that will take effect on Monday June 28:

- The overnight curfew (01:30-05:30) will end

- People vaccinated with both doses of a vaccine can attend work and gyms without having to self-test

- The maximum number of seated customers at outdoor cafes and restaurants goes up to 10 per table from the current 6

- The maximum number of people at fee-based beaches is set to 120 per 1,000 square meters

Meanwhile, dispersal of the coronavirus in Greece continues to decline, said children's infectious diseases specialist and Health Ministry coronavirus committee member Vana Papaevangelou at the briefing, backed up also by fellow committee member and doctor Gkikas Magiorkinis, who was also at the briefing.