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Greece reports new peak in COVID-19 cases

FILE PHOTO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Athens

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece on Wednesday reported 865 new cases of COVID-19, a new peak since an outbreak in late February, and authorities announced a regional lockdown of a northern district.

Authorities declared the northern region of Kastoria on an elevated risk, the highest of a 4-tier risk assessment. Restrictions would be imposed from Oct. 23, Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said.

"The situation is critical and strict adherence to measures is required under current circumstances," he told a news briefing.

Greece has recorded significantly lower numbers of COVID-19 which has gripped other countries in Europe, though cases have started to rise since early October.

Nationwide, six COVID-19 deaths were reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number to 534.

(Reporting By Michele Kambas; Editing by Janet Lawrence)