Large-scale police presence planned to ensure compliance with health rules

More than 10,000 police officers will be deployed throughout the country for New Year's Eve in order to ensure compliance with the measures for preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The restrictions will be similar to those imposed for the Christmas holiday but police checks will be more intensive.

"Of primary importance is to not lose at New Year all that we managed to gain at Christmas," Hellenic Police spokesperson Theodoros Chronopoulos said in statements to the state run ANA-MPA news agency on Wednesday.

"We must celebrate responsibly and with moderation, taking care and staying healthy," he added.

The restrictions will begin at 10 p.m. on New Year's Eve, with a curfew lasting until 5 a.m. in the morning except for reasons of health, work and to walk household pets, the police said.

During this time, traffic may be interrupted on...