ATHENS — The Greek police will ensure the observance of the strict health protection measures against the novel coronavirus during the Christmas period.

Among the measures on the table is the closure of metro stations in areas of Athens (such as Syntagma), where citizens may go to celebrate this year's Christmas. This, however, will be decided by the General Police Directorate of Attica.

The current daily curfew (22:00 to 05:00) will remain in effect throughout the holidays, including Christmas and New Year's Eve and Day. The ban of traffic on main roads, both in Athens and other major cities, has also been decided during these hours. Any car moving during these hours will be stopped and the necessary documents must be demonstrated.

Movement outside during those hours is allowed only for health emergencies and work reasons, always with the necessary documents. Otherwise, administrative sanctions and fines of 300 euros will be imposed on all offenders, without discrimination.

On Christmas day, people should send an SMS with code 6 to the 13033 number in order to travel to the home of first-degree relatives.

Deputy Minister of Civil Protection Lefteris Oikonomou clarified on Wednesday that one SMS is needed to go to the relative's house and a second one to return home.

Gatherings in the home must be limited to nine people from two families, with police entitled to carry out an inspection in the presence of a public prosecutor if there is a complaint. If the rules have been broken, the host is liable to pay a 3,000-euro fine and each person present 300 euros, with additional penalties envisaged if there is an infection or death as a result.