The Greek government is satisfied with how the current loosening of lockdown restrictions are going, and coupled with the high percentages of vaccinations, it has announced plans to accelerate the further loosening of COVID-19 measures within the next few weeks. As the opening of the retail sector and the high schools have not increased the number of COVID-19 cases and more than 4.6 million citizens are scheduled to get vaccinated by July, the Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, announced the opening of socially distanced beaches and the increase in the number of customers in shops with one customer per 50 square meters allowed. Appointments in retail shops are still mandatory for the customers.