Covid-19 Restrictions Imposed on Paros and Antiparos Islands

Paros Island.

The Greek government on Friday imposed emergency restrictions on the islands of Paros and Antiparos to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

As of August 15 and until August 24:

– all public events, bazaars and open-air markets (laiki) on both islands are prohibited.

– restaurants, bars and clubs must follow the overnight curfew and close at midnight and remain closed until 7am.

– gatherings in public or private spaces, involving more than nine people, are banned.

– a four-person cap at cafe or restaurant tables has been imposed (six persons are allowed if they are all first-degree relatives).

– all residents and visitors to the islands must wear masks in both outdoors and indoor spaces.

Antiparos island.

“The data of the last days show the spread of the virus in a series of areas, especially in tourism destinations,” Deputy Civil Protection & Crisis Management Minister Nikos Hardalias, said.

According to Hardalias, the data shows that the spread of the coronavirus concerns mainly younger ages.

“These young people will soon return from their vacations to their permanent places of residence, in the big urban centers,” the deputy minister said, adding that there is a strict recommendation for generalized mask use for a week after travelers return from vacation.

Restrictions on Poros extended

The government also extended emergency restrictions already imposed on the island of Poros, until August 24. The restrictions include bars, clubs and restaurants to close at midnight.

“The first signs show a slight improvement to the epidemiological situation on Poros, but it takes two weeks to be sure of the effectiveness of the measures, which is why it was decided to extend them… If we continue to be just as consistent in adhering to the measures, the beautiful island of Poros will return to normal very quickly,” the Greek deputy minister said.