Retail stores, churches hang in balance

After extending the lockdown - which will impact a wide range of activities - until January 7, the government is weighing its options with regard to the Christmas season and whether it will allow retail stores to open and churches to function.

The final decisions are expected to be announced on Saturday rather than Friday, due to the European Union leaders' summit and the start of the budget debate. 

Referring to churches, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Tuesday that they cannot remain closed if retail stores are to open. "This will be discussed over the next two or three days so that decisions are taken," he said.

However, several members of the government's committee of experts on infectious diseases believe that opening churches will carry a greater risk due to the higher average age of worshippers. 

At the moment there are two most likely...