Mykonos: Party island turned coronavirus hotspot

·

Parties, beach and now, coronavirus. Mykonos, one of Greece’s biggest party islands, is feared to be the new epicentre of a Greek coronavirus spike.

The island saw a slow rising spike last week after a popular beach bar, Alemagou, was shut down by Greek authorities last Thursday. It was confirmed that seven staff members tested positive for the virus, with infection fears for guests of the beach bar.

More than 80 people have been told to isolate in their residences regardless of their test results, according to local media.

Psarrou beach, Mykonos, July 2019. Photo: Peter Oglos/The Greek Herald

This COVID-19 outbreak isn’t the first for the popular beach bar, however, with the bar also closing for 60 days back in June after owners were caught disobeying safety regulations.

Rave parties and large gatherings are feared to be potential breeding grounds for the virus, with almost no social distancing taking place on the party island.

Read More: Greek beach named safest post-COVID beach in Europe

The mayor of Mykonos, Konstantinos Koukas had requested the health teams visited the island amid mounting concern over safety violations at bars and nightclubs.

“The protection of public health is not only a duty but is the necessary precondition for maintaining the good image of the country and of the island internationally,” said Mr Koukas.

Last week the country’s Civil Protection Minister ordered increased inspections of bars and nightclubs after a party at a private villa drew more than 200 people. Police say the crackdown will intensify ahead of the peak summer season.

Locals and tourists have recently been subject to spot tests by officials from the country’s public health organisation.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Heartbreak as Greek duo Anne and Maree eliminated from My Kitchen Rules

My Kitchen Rules viewers were left emotional on Monday night as Greek Australian mother-and-daughter duo Anne and Maree were eliminated.

Antetokounmpo trio make NBA history as Alex joins brothers at the Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed Alex Antetokounmpo, uniting him with brothers Giannis and Thanasis to make NBA history.

Mitsotakis hails ‘historic day’ as he joins Trump at Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis briefly met with US President Donald Trump ahead of the global summit on Gaza’s future

‘A Holy Land at peace’: Trump declares end to two-year Gaza war

Hamas has released the final surviving Israeli hostages from Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal, while Israel freed Palestinian detainees.

Philanthropy and fellowship shine at Hellenic Medical Society Gala Ball in Melbourne

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA), in collaboration with the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), hosted its annual Gala Ball on Saturday, October...

You May Also Like

Greek community organisations receive support funding in South Australia

Two Greek community groups are among the 60 organisations in South Australia to share in government grant funding to support their work.

Greek financial police raid soccer federation (EPO)

Greece’s financial police on Wednesday raided the headquarters of the country’s soccer federation (EPO) in Athens, the federation said.

Monemvasia home of iconic Greek poet Yannis Ritsos becomes a museum

The birthplace of Yannis Ritsos in Monemvasia has officially opened as a museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into his life and work.