Greece enters lockdown to tackle virus

Greece entered its first day of lockdown on Monday in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

The lockdown started at 0400GMT and required all citizens and residents to stay home or risk a 150-euro fine.

Exemptions to the lockdown include going to work, visiting the doctor, shopping – including for groceries and medicines – going out for exercise and walking the dog.

Special documentation and proof of identification must be carried at all time.

Police on Monday conducted checks for the necessary documents.

Two more fatalities from the COVID-19 virus were confirmed in Greece Sunday, bringing the total to 15.

The total of confirmed cases stands at 624, with 124 hospitalized, 34 of them in intensive care.

Globally, the coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 341,700 people and killed more than 14,700.

Most patients who contract the new coronavirus develop only mild symptoms and recover after about two weeks.

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with no visible symptoms.

For older adults and people with underlying health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.