Greece reports 53 coronavirus deaths as worldwide cases hit 1 million

Global coronavirus cases have soared past one million as the pandemic explodes in the US and the death tolls continue to climb in Italy and Spain, according to data by Johns Hopkins University.

Meanwhile in Greece, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 1,544 according to the latest update from Health Ministry spokesperson and infectious diseases expert Professor Sotiris Tsiodras.

This figure included the 23 cases at the Ritsona refugee camp and another 49 onboard the Eleftherios Venizelos ferry, which is anchored off the port of Piraeus.

In the last 24 hours, there have been 3 more fatalities, bringing the death toll to 53. Of those, 39 were men and 14 were women and over 90% had underlying health issues.

Some 91 patients are being treated in Intensive Care Units and more than half of these suffer from underlying health issues. A total of 9 people have so far been discharged from ICUs.

A total of 18,844 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Greece.

Authorities in Greece have also banned swimming, fishing and water sports as the country toughens up its already severe restrictions of movement to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The new regulation confirms that swimming and water sports will not be regarded as physical exercise — which is allowed under the existing rules.