ATHENS – With COVID-19 still spreading and tighter restrictions and local lockdowns in place, the Hellenic Police (ELAS) are forging ahead with more inspections and checks of people and businesses to make sure health protocols are being followed.

There were 51,650 checks on Nov. 1 with officers finding 1,202 violations for not wearing face masks and 278 for breaking a curfew in place from 12:30-5 a.m. in the hardest-hit areas.

Of the face mask violations, 509 were in Attica, 172 in Central Macedonia and 128 in Thessaloniki, while 168 of the 278 violations of the nighttime public curfew were in the greater Athens area, with another 33 in Central Macedonia and another 21 in Thessaloniki, said Kathimerini.

Eighteen people were arrested for violating rules relating to the operating of businesses, such as permitting overcrowding, with five businesses being ordered to close – two in Attica and three in Central Macedonia.

Police are also going after businesses not observing the rules, fining three more some 10,000 euros ($11,695.80) and forced to close for three days although defiance still persists despite ongoing inspections.