Greece extended its coronavirus lockdown measures to January 7, citing the slow impact of restrictive measures announced a month ago.

The shutdown affects schools, restaurants, clubs, courts and most professional sports. There is also a ban on travel between geographical regions. Incoming travellers must self-quarantine for 10 days, according to AFP.

“The improvement of epidemiological data and the reduction in the virus burden is slow, slower than expected,” government spokesman Stelios Petsas told reporters. “The return to normality must be done gradually and safely,” he said.

An exception to the shutdown restrictions will be made for Christmas decoration shops.