ATHENS - The use of face masks will no longer be mandatory in outdoor spaces in Greece as of March 5, the country's health ministry announced on Wednesday.

However, mask-wearing will remain strongly recommended outdoors in crowded spaces.

The government's decision is based on a recommendation by a committee of experts advising on COVID-19, and comes as many critical indexes have recently improved.

On Wednesday, Greece announced 15,557 new infections and 57 deaths within 24 hours, while a total of 399 patients were intubated nationwide.

According to the latest official data, more than 19.9 million vaccine doses have now been administered in the country, with seven out of ten residents now fully vaccinated.

In February, Greece partially lifted restrictions related to sports and entertainment venues, school field trips, and workplaces.