Covid-19: Volos Authorities to Close Waterfront Area

Volos, Central Greece. Photo: GTP

Local authorities in the town of Volos, located in Thessaly, central Greece, have decided to ban access to the city’s waterfront for most of the day, as part of efforts to avoid the further spread of COVID-19.

The decision came after hundreds of residents gathered in the area last weekend, defying the social distancing measures announced by the government due to COVID-19.

Following a recent meeting with Volos Mayor Achilleas Beos, Central Port Authority Head Vassiliki Konstanta requested that the Volos Port Authority closes the entire waterfront area stretching from Argonafton avenue to the church of St Constantine, as well as the city’s coastal park.

The ban is expected to be put into effect as of Monday, April 6, with access prohibited between 2pm – 8pm on weekdays and for 24 hours on weekends. The ban will be lifted on April 19.

Exempt from the ban are those that will need to tend to docked boats for safety reasons due to adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen events, under the permission of the Port Authority.

The measure was officially announced by Greek Deputy Minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Nikos Hardalias, on Friday.

Similar ban for waterfront of Patra

Photo Source: Municipality of Patra

The deputy minister also announced a similar measure for the waterfront of Patras. Access will be banned as of Saturday, April 3, between 2pm – 8pm on weekdays and for 24 hours on weekends. The ban will be lifted on April 16.

State authorities are stepping up their efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus through new restrictions. The Greek government on Thursday, imposed a ban on swimming, underwater fishing and the use of private marine recreational facilities throughout Greece.