Music banned in Mykonos restaurants and bars

·

Greece banned music in restaurants and bars and imposed a nighttime curfew on its popular holiday island of Mykonos on Saturday after a rise in new coronavirus infections there.

Known as the party island of the super-rich, Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular destinations, attracting more than a million visitors each summer, among them Hollywood stars, models and world-famous athletes.

Following a “worrying” local outbreak, the Civil Protection Ministry said it was banning music on the island around the clock, including in shops, cafes and beach bars. It also said it would restrict movement between 1 a.m to 6 a.m except for those going to and from work or to hospital.

Greece depends on tourism for a fifth of its economy and desperately needs a strong season this year following a disastrous 2020 when visitor numbers and revenues collapsed.

People sit at a bar, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Athens, Greece, July 6, 2021. Picture taken July 6, 2021. REUTERS/Costas Baltas/File Photo/File Photo

The number of infections has been rising in Greece in recent weeks, forcing the government to mandate the vaccination of healthcare workers and nursing home staff, and to introduce new restrictions across the country, including allowing only vaccinated customers indoors at restaurants and clubs.

Mykonos’s Mayor Konstantinos Koukas said imposing measures at the heart of the tourism season was “unfair” and “misguided.”

“Mykonos cannot be the only island where music won’t be heard… the only thing this will achieve is that visitors will go to another island,” he wrote on Facebook.

A view of Little Venice on the island of Mykonos, Greece, August 22, 2020. Nektaria Balomatini/Eurokinissi via REUTERS

The government banned music in restaurants and bars across the country in May to avoid people having to get close to one another to be heard, increasing the chances of transmitting the virus. It lifted that measure when infections dropped.

“We call on the residents, visitors and professionals on our beautiful island to strictly follow the measures… so that we can quickly control and contain the spreading of the virus and Mykonos can return to normality,” the ministry said.

The restrictions on Mykonos will be in place until July 26.

Source: Reuters

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Matt Pillios named Kay & Burton’s 2025 Victorian Agent of the Year

Star real estate agent Matt Pillios has reclaimed his place at the top, being named Kay & Burton’s 2025 Victorian Agent of the Year.

Greek astronomer to present at Melbourne seminar on preserving the stars

For millennia, humanity has looked up in awe at the night sky, finding in its silent beauty a profound source of inspiration.

Historic Plaka landmark from iconic Greek film to be restored

The “Kokovikos House,” is named after the fictional couple in Giorgos Tzavellas’ bittersweet classic starring Konstantinou and Kontou.

Melbourne’s Sunday morning strollers walk, talk and keep Greek alive

On a crisp Sunday morning at Merri Creek, a group of walkers from the Sunday Morning Strollers, winds its way along the leafy green trail.

A sweet favourite: Niki Louca’s authentic baklava recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for baklava with The Greek Herald.

You May Also Like

Bulgarian brothers deny killing Greek-Australian John Macris in court testimony

Two Bulgarian nationals charged with the murder of 46-year-old Greek-Australian businessman John Macris denied any involvement in the case after completing their testimony in court on Thursday.

George Melissourgos hits back after scathing review on new Adelaide restaurant

The owner of Fire and Vine, George Melissourgos has hit back after a scathing review on his new Adelaide restaurant.

New British Museum director hints at lending the Parthenon Marbles to Greece

The new Director of the British Museum, George Osborne, has spoken of the possibility of returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece as a loan.