Sorry, we are closed

A very empty island

Yesterday cafeterias, tavernas and bars had till 5pm to close up and put away chairs and tables.  There is a fine of 5,000 euros for those that remain open.  

Our favourite waterfront cafe the 'green chairs' is deserted, though still selling take-away coffee.  Take away food and drink can still be sold but no-one is allowed to sit down

Our supermarkets still have toilet paper and yesterday did a roaring trade.  From today no more than 5 people can shop at one time, depending on the size of the shop of course and there must be 2 metres at least between each person at the check-out

We had to go to a family funeral yesterday.  There was not a huge crowd.  Half were inside and half outside.  The brother of the deceased came from Athens and wore a mask inside the church.  He took it off when he got outside and started shaking people's hands.  He obviously hadn't grasped the seriousness of the situation  especially as he is of a 'certain age' himself and his wife is in bad health.  I  hope they are both ok.  

Just a further note on the funeral.  We all went down to the graveyard and then waited half an hour while the grave was widened.  The coffin wouldn't fit in!

There was no social coffee and liqueur afterwards.

Now we are truly isolated.  Just K and I.  Till when?  Well after easter I imagine.

An empty waterfront

Many greeks still haven't quite  grasped the 'stay at home' part of it.  The government had to close organised beaches and ski centres.  With nothing else to do people were flocking to both.  Where else are the beaches and the ski slopes working at the same time? 

Today the public beaches had a few too many people and tv news was showing crowds of Athenians out for a walk in the parks.  

We have to have someone to tell us over and over again 'stay at home' does not mean meeting friends in someone's home for beers and pizza, gathering in the parks to watch the children play, sitting outside gossiping with neighbours.  It means 'stay at home' and away from other human beings.  It's going to be a while before it all sinks right in.

That means not going to church either.  And holy water will not protect you from the virus