A statement from Health Minister said “Vassilis Kikilias. “The Greek government decided the suspension of the functioning of schools until November 30. Closing elementary schools were the last thing we wanted to do. This is a measure of how serious the situation is”

Secondary schools have already closed and all lessons have taken place remotely since Monday.

Most European countries have kept schools open during the second waves of cases that have hit the continent since September, unlike in March and April when they were shuttered during the first lockdowns.

This lockdown started November 7 and is to last until November 30, although experts suggest it might last longer.