Mitsotakis satisfied with mask usage in Greece

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday praised the public's uptake of face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking at a meeting with government officials and experts on COVID-19, Mitsotakis said Greek society "now seems to understand" the need for masks when experts "indicate this is necessary".

He also said young children "must be educated with love and care on how to wear it."

The masks, Mitsotakis said, were helping ensure "more drastic measures" could be avoided in the nation's battle against the coronavirus.

Greek authorities on Tuesday announced the country's schools will open full-time, with obligatory use of masks indoors, on September 14 - a week later than initially planned.

Officials said the delay will enable people returning from summer holidays to ascertain whether they have contracted COVID-19 while on vacation, and take precautions against spreading the disease.

The government will provide free masks to all teachers and pupils at state and private schools.