Greek police have announced a ban on large gatherings for a week for public health reasons, ahead of expected protests on a number of issues.

“All public gatherings of over 100 people (are restricted) until February 1,” the police said in a statement. The police said large protests posed a “danger of further boosting the spread of the coronavirus."

Student groups have been demonstrating for weeks against plans to introduce a special police force to guard universities. Another protest on the issue is to be held on Thursday, according to AFP.