ATHENS — Health experts expressed their concern over the large exodus of cars from Attica to other areas prior to the lockdown on Saturday, at a live briefing held on Monday on coronavirus pandemic developments.

Pediatrician and infectious diseases specialist Vana Papaevangelou said that Attica has a particularly heavy viral load, and she called on those who left Athens metropolitan area to keep a responsible stance in order to prevent possible spread of the virus.

Doctor Gkikas Magiorkinis, on the Health Ministry's novel coronavirus committee, spoke on the vaccine being developed by Pfizer, which he said appears to be 90 pct effective following two doses. Trials were held with the two doses, separated by three weeks, in over 43,000 people in 6 countries, he explained.

Also addressing the briefing, Civil Protection Deputy Minister for Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias provided more clarifications for people who want to visit notaries, lawyers and court officials. The officials have to provide proof of summons to a person, who like lawyers may be allowed to travel to other prefectures as necessary.

Greece on Monday registered a drop in new cases (1490) but a rise in intubations (239) and deaths (41) from the coronavirus.