Greece to Tighten Restrictions on Holiday Islands

As the number of Covid cases rises, Greece looks to be preparing to tighten restrictions on certain popular vacation locations.

A government minister warned on Thursday that Mykonos and Ios were “one step away from stringent restrictions,” just days after strict Covid-19 regulations on Mykonos were relaxed.

Health authorities have expanded their surveillance of the islands as a result of a recent uptick in cases, according to civil protection deputy minister Nikos Hardalias. Under Greece’s Covid-19 risk-assessment system, both islands are currently rated as “orange.”

Hardalias expressed concern about six further islands: Zakynthos, Tinos, Lefkada, Santorini, Paros, and Rhodes.

He stated, “We urge local authorities and visitors to pay close attention to personal protection measures and operation rules, especially in areas of high congestion.

“The situation still calls for caution. The epidemiological data clearly show the virus is still among us. It is essential we continue to adhere to health measures and protocols.”

In the orange zones of Greece’s four-color traffic light system, officials enhance sampling, prioritize vaccination, and conduct intense tracking (level 3).

A midnight to 6 a.m. curfew, a prohibition on music and all gatherings, limits on restaurants and bars, and seat-only service are all part of the red category (level 4).

The minister noted that a rising number of holiday spots, including Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, and Messinia (Kalamata), as well as the islands of Spetses, Paxi, and Chios, have been shifted to the orange category.

According to the Greek trade newspaper GTP, infectious disease expert Haralambos Gogos has warned that more islands are at risk of turning “red.”

Authorities are concerned that a mass exodus from Athens for the traditional summer vacation in August may worsen congestion and infection on the islands.