Dawn to dusk in Athens as lockdown bites

As Greece wraps up a week of being on a government-imposed lockdown to help contain the new coronavirus, the streets of Athens remained mostly empty over the weekend as residents generally adhered to the official request to stay home.

Smaller streets and bigger avenues had few cars, and the usually bustling Syntagma and Monastiraki squares that are normally filled with locals and tourists were practically deserted.

Only the pedestrian road that loops around the Acropolis had people around them.

Greece's restrictions follow a similar pattern to other areas of Europe, with a practical lockdown except for people going to work, visiting the doctor or collecting medicine, or exercise.

In addition, everyone must carry an ID or passport with them along with a form that confirms their purpose for being outdoors, with 150 euro fines for those who fail to comply.

On Saturday, a government minister said the lockdown will last "way beyond" April 6, the original end-date envisaged when the lockdown was applied.

As of Sunday evening, Greece's death toll due to the new virus stood at 38, with 1,156 cases reported.

The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.