ATHENS — Scrambling to somehow enforce health protocols put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with the end of a lockdown aimed at controlling the virus, Greece’s new Democracy is upping fines and penalties for violators.

Businesses that refuse to comply could be shut down for three months – although appeals typically allow them to stay open, especially for those depending on summer, such as beach bars and clubs.

A joint ministerial decision published in the Government Gazette said fines would range from 1000-50,000 euros ($1121.65-$56,082.50) and closures from 15-90 days  but there were no further reports of violations or defiance after at least seven clubs were closed and fined, but likely to stay open during appeals and no report they paid the penalties either.

There has been widespread ignoring of health measures that require the wearing of masks in many places and social distancing between tables and people and bars closed with reports many have opened anyway so far.