ATHENS: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday declared a night curfew in Athens, Thessaloniki and other areas to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"We aim to reduce circulation and night gatherings that favour the spread of the virus," Mitsotakis said in a televised address, in which he also announced the "compulsory" use of masks both indoors and outdoors in the worst-hit areas.

"The mask is the vaccine before the vaccine (arrives)," the PM said. The curfew from 0030 to 0500 that comes into force on Saturday was announced after a record 882 new infections and 15 deaths were earlier announced by the state health agency.