After last year's outbreak of the infection with West Nile virus during which 35 people lost their lives, the Greek authorities have taken targeted action against the spread of its carriers - the mosquitoes.

The Athens municipality decided this time not to open the doors of air-conditioned clubs for pensioners and other facilities and to offer some coolness to the townspeople. However, first aid ambulance and two motorcycles were on the square just in case and were ready to respond if a citizen or visitor would need medical attention.

After the index had dropped to 979.25 points during the day the trade revived and it reached 1000.13 points, another auction of short-term bills with limited involvement of foreign investors and slightly reduced interest rate was closed.

Its index fell another 1.9% and reached the unenviable 979.25 points and the spread-index has remained at 1313.8 basis points.