Greece coronavirus fatalities reach 67

Greek Health Ministry spokesman Sotiris Tsiodras on Friday announced 99 new coronavirus cases, raising the total in the country to 1,613.

Four new deaths on Saturday raised Greece's total fatalities to 67. 

The positive cases include 121 people on a passenger ferry docked at the port of Piraeus, and 23 residents of a refugee facility in Ritsona, north of Athens.

Tsiodras expressed cautious optimism about the evolution of the pandemic in Greece while warning against complacency. Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias, for his part, said there would be no need for further restrictions if a government lockdown is observed.

However, there are concerns about a possible exodus from the cities for Orthodox Easter later this month, despite a possible plan by the government to oblige all travelers to carry tax declarations proving their permanent residence so as to discourage holidays away from home. Government spokesman Stelios Petsas said that the option of shutting down highway toll gates was on the table. 

Of those being treated in Greek hospitals following infection with Covid-19, 92 are in critical condition, he said. 

A total of 22,437 people have been tested for the virus, Tsiodras added.