ATHENS — Stricter measures to fight the spread of coronavirus in three West Attica municipalities and in northern Greece's Kozani region were extended to 18:00 on December 30, Civil Protection announced on Thursday.

The three cities of Aspropyrgos, Elefsina and Mandra-Idilia continue to exhibit a heavy viral load, leading to the extension decision.

In particular, the three cities had 166 active cases, 65 and 30, respectively on December 17, when the strict measures were imposed. On Wednesday evening, these numbers were at 178, 77 and 27, respectively.

In addition, 79.83 percent of these active cases exhibit primary or secondary symptoms of Covid-19, with those with primary symptoms accounting for 51.68 percent.

In the region of Kozani, there were 313 active cases. Of these, 49 have been hospitalized and their median age is 52.78 years. Their contacts number 714 high-risk individuals, who are already in isolation at home. Broken down, the 313 cases are distributed as follows: 152 in Kozani city proper, 115 in Eordea, 35 in Voio, 8 in Servia and 3 in Velvendos.

Commenting on the data, medical professor and member of the Covid-19 government committee Gkikas Magiorkinis said, "There was an increase in diagnoses within the last week in Aspropyrgos and Elefsina, while there was a marginal drop in Mandra, but with higher morbidity due to a higher median age."

"Overall, the number of active cases in the greater West Attica area remains high," he warned.