Greece has banned music in restaurants and bars and restricted travel on its popular resort island of Mykonos on Saturday after new COVID infections broke out there.
Mykonos, known as the island of super-rich parties, is one of the most popular places in Greece, attracting more than a million visitors each year, including Hollywood stars, models and world-famous athletes.
Following the “alarming” outbreak of a local epidemic, the Ministry of Civil Defense said it banned music on the island around the clock and allowed traffic only from 1:00 to 6:00 for those who go to work and return from work or for health reasons.
The restrictions will run until July 26, Kathimerini said in a statement.
Greece is dependent on tourism for a fifth of its economy and is in dire need of a strong season this year after the catastrophic 2020, when visitor numbers and incomes have plummeted.
The number of infections has risen in recent weeks, forcing the government to vaccinate health workers and staff in nursing homes and impose new restrictions across the country, including allowing only vaccinated customers in restaurants and clubs.
“We urge residents, visitors and professionals of our beautiful island to strictly adhere to measures so that we can quickly control and limit the spread of the virus and return Mykonos to normal life,” the ministry said.