Mykonos set to be Greece's new coronavirus epicentre due to wild parties
A popular island in Greece which attracts thousands of partygoers each year, is tipped to be the new hotspot as "raves" and "large gatherings" continue.
Anna Colley
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Mykonos is feared to be the epicentre of a Greek coronavirus spike, with a team of health officials rushing to the resort today.
The island, arguably one of Europe's most famous party destinations, has seen a rise in cases as well as rave parties and large gatherings that are feared to have become superspreader events.
Locals and tourists were subject to spot tests by officials from the country's public health organisation.
Mykonos is tipped to be the new epicentre for Greece. Picture: Celestyal Cruises
On Thursday, Greek authorities were forced to close down Alemagou, one of Mykonos' most popular beach bars, after seven staff members tested positive for the virus.
More than 80 people have been told to isolate in their residences regardless of their test results, according to local media.
The bar was forced to close during the pandemic back in June, as authorities shut it down for 60 days and fined the owners €20,000 ($A32,000) for disobeying safety regulations.
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.
The popular island has seen a rise in cases as well as rave parties and large gatherings.
The ever-popular resort is attracting growing numbers of visitors with tourists piling into beach bars and other nightclubs in Mykonos' party town.
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.
More and more Greek islands are reporting cases of coronavirus after months of reporting none at all.
The Ionian isles of Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Kefalonia – where Brits are the main tourist market – have registered infections in recent weeks.
Cases have also been recorded on Crete, Lesvos, Rhodes, Chios and Evia.
Greek authorities have been forced to issue fines for venues not complying with COVID safe rules. Picture: Supplied
In the Argo Saronic Gulf, outside Athens, authorities have been forced to put Poros island under curfew after 13 people tested positive for the virus. On Friday, the number had risen to 30 authorities announced.
At an emergency teleconference, health officials did not rule out imposing local lockdowns to try and contain the spread of the disease.
Greece has reported its highest number of new coronavirus infections in weeks, with 149 new cases yesterday – the highest daily increase since April 26.
Yet Brits are still heading for a Greek holiday, as easyJet claims flights are soaring to the country after the Spain travel ban.
Ryanair and easyJet both fly to Mykonos and are offering bargain flight packages into the late summer.
While the majority of new cases in Greece have been located in Thessaloniki, 12 of them have been from tourists entering the country, taking overall cases to 5123.
Active cases, currently at 3539, have been rising since May 1.
Greece's top scientific adviser, Professor Sotiris Tsiodras said, "There must be great vigilance to a possible increase. The situation could quickly get out of hand. It needs vigilance and attention by all."
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission
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