Greece will further extend COVID-19 restrictions in Athens and other areas to rein in fast-spreading infections and ease pressure on its stretched health system, Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said on Friday.A lockdown in the metropolitan area of Athens - where half of the country's 11 million population lives - will be extended to March 22, rather than end on March 16 as previously planned."The finish line is visible," Hardalias told a regular briefing. "Every day, every vaccine brings us closer to the end of this adventure," he said, calling for continued vigilance.Schools and non-essential shops are closed and night-time curfews have been in force in Athens and other so-called "red zone" areas since last month.As more regions.