ATHENS  – As usual after more restrictions have been imposed during the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, Greek police will be out in numbers to make sure the measures are being adhered in what usually are temporary crackdowns.

The holiday measures include requirements masks be worn everywhere, with KN95’s or double masks for supermarkets and public transportation and retail stores checking for vaccination certificates.

Civil Protection Minister Takis Theodorikakos met with police chiefs from across Greece to go over the plans aimed at making sure there are few violations although the country still has a rabid anti-vaxxer segment that’s shrinking.

“The next 15 days are critical for the whole of Greece,” said Thedorikakos as tougher measures are expected after Jan. 3, 2022 with expectations that not being tougher now will have consequences.

“The police must guarantee the safety and wellbeing of all citizens,” he said, reported Kathimerini, more than 10,000 officers going out to conduct inspections, especially at nightclubs and bars.

They will have help from other government workers to check if businesses are asking for vaccination certificates and people wearing masks, which has been sometimes shunned. Violators will face fines and penalties.