Worshippers mark Orthodox Good Friday in Thessaloniki

Worshippers lined up at churches across Greece on Orthodox Good Friday while government pandemic restrictions remained in place throughout the Easter holiday, as the country prepared to restart services for tourists.

Seating restrictions were put on church services, priests were required to perform daily COVID-19 tests, and processions were held in outside courtyards.

In the northern city of the Thessaloniki, at the church of Saint Raphael, worshippers sang Good Friday hymns and held candles as they attended a service in the church courtyard.

On Monday several restrictions which have been in effect since November will end, with restaurants and cafes permitted to serve customers outdoors.

Tourism-related businesses and services are set to start operating again on May 15.

Greece has confirmed 345,033 cases of COVID-19, and 10,381 people have died, the government announced on Friday.