Greece collects more than €4 million in fines for violating coronavirus restrictions

·

Greek authorities have confirmed the state has collected a total of €4,253,700 ($7.6 million) in fines issued for violations related to the bans on movement and opening of businesses during lockdown.

In order to contain the spread of COVID-19, the government suspended the operation of shops and businesses on March 12 and imposed lockdown and movement restrictions on March 23.

According to data from the Hellenic Police (ELAS), there were 17,385 violations during that period, with fines of 150 euros ($270) on individuals, bringing in 2.6 million euros ($4.7 million) in 12 days from people flouting the restrictions.

The 330 businesses that stayed open were also whacked with fines of 5,000 euros ($9,000) for each incident, bringing in another €1.6 million ($2.8 million).

Most of these violations were recorded in the region of Attica, followed by Thessaloniki, the Ionian Islands and Western Greece.

Greek authorities are cracking down on people breaking the lockdown rules. Source: Efsyn.

Spokesperson for the Greek Police, Ioanna Rotziokou, said that despite the “total amount of fines imposed throughout Greece amounting to 4,253,700 euros,” the majority of citizens continue to comply with the coronavirus measures.

“It is significant that the majority of citizens have complied with the measures implemented to avoid and limit the spread of the coronavirus and for this, the Hellenic Police thanks them sincerely,” Ms Rotziokou told the state-run Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA).

“The measures aim at protecting the health of citizens and not their punishment.”

Government officials have said that the bulk of this revenue will be spent on bolstering the public healthcare system that was decimated with budget cuts during a nearly decade-long economic and austerity crisis.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Historic ties remembered as Greece’s Evzones march in Adelaide’s ANZAC Day parade

During a Dawn Service at West Torrens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

You May Also Like

Weekend-long celebration of Hellenism held at Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney

A weekend-long celebration of Greek culture and heritage was held on May 20 - 21 at the University of Sydney's Chau Chak Wing Museum.

Greek navy monitors Turkish ship suspected of carrying weapons to Libya

A frigate from the Greek navy is currently shadowing a Turkish vessel suspected of carrying weapons to Libya, violating the UN-imposed arms embargo.

Greek Government faces no confidence vote amid handling of Tempi train crash

Nikos Androulakis has submitted a no-confidence vote in the Greek government over covering up its responsibility in the tempi train crash.