ATHENS – Unrelenting in checks to help stem the spread of COVID-19, Greek police on Oct. 22 conducted 35,619 inspections nationwide and found 407 people not wearing face masks or keeping a safe social distance.

That costs a 150-euro ($177.63) fine although there is a small but hard-core anti-mask conspiracy theory contingent in the country who think the Coronavirus is a hoax and masks a way for the government to control their minds, which doesn't seem to be working.

People must wear masks in public gathering areas, extended even to outdoors and are required to stay at least 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) apart although that's impossible on public transport including buses, trams, and the metro.

There were also three businesses found breaking the law and they were each fined 10,000 euros ($11,842) for staying open past midnight when clubs and taverns are required to close. They will stay shuttered three days as well.

Since the beginning of August, the police (ELAS) recorded a total of 22,557 violations for various offenses and is intensifying inspections in hard-hit areas of the country, around Athens and the second-largest city and major port of Thessaloniki in the north.