ATHENS — Government spokesperson Stelios Petsas referred to the conclusion being drawn concerning the progress of the coronavirus in Greece to date, during his briefing to the press on Monday.

Petsas noted that "Greece has a better epidemiological picture than most European countries and managed to control the imported incidents from tourists with a series of measures at the country's entrances. Complacency remains the enemy, as well as phenomena of relaxation [of self- protection measures] that feed the virus. Complacency has led to the increase of cases in many Greek regions but mostly in the cities but this increase has not put significant pressure on the health system so far," he said.

Petsas announced that the government will be holding video conferences three times a week, starting on Monday, to monitor the progress of COVID-19 in Greece, with the participation of the heads of health and civil protection under the prime minister.

Use of face masks extended to all parts of passengers ferries, including open-air areas

Monday's meeting decided to extend the mandatory wearing of face masks to the outdoor areas of passenger ferries, as well as their interior, starting from Tuesday, August 4 until August 18, 2020.

At the same time, up until August 15, agricultural labourers that leave the country will be not have the right to re-enter until further notice.

The government, in cooperation with the experts, will do everything possible to protect public health and human lives, reiterated Petsas.

Commenting on a decision to ban the admission into clubs of "standing" customers without a table, he noted that the government had compensated with "counter-measures" by extending the government-supported staff furlough programme until the end of August, to support workers and businesses with reduced turnover.

He also announced that inspections and checks will continue, while noting that an increase of administrative fines over the weekends was indicative of the increasing laxity in observing safety measures and warning that this would come at a cost.