Authorities on one of the worlds most popular holiday destinations, Santorini, began handing out free face masks to tourists on Monday, as the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase in Greece.
“We bought 30,000 masks, and today we handed out 500 for free to tourists as they were getting off ferries at the port,” Santorini mayor Antonios Siglas told AFP.
At the time of writing, Santorini has so far reported a relatively low number of cases, hence why authorities are strengthening controls to avoid the spread of the novel virus.
While masks are only required indoors across Greece, Siglas hopes the free ones “will encourage tourists to wear them in places with lots of people” including the charming narrow alleys of Santorini.
In Oia, where visitors catch the best sunset on the Greek island, police will crowd control and will move on people to different places, less known, but with the same view so that there is no overcrowding.
Local authorities seek to extend the tourism season this year, given that under normal circumstances the summer tourist season for Santorini lasts until October, Ethnos reported.
It is recalled the rise in coronavirus cases in recent weeks has forced authorities to gradually reimpose restrictions to curb the spread of the novel virus.
Public and social gathering limits have decreased to a maximum of 50 people, regardless if it is indoor or outdoor in the following regions and municipalities:
Attica
Crete
East Macedonia and Thrace
Thessaloniki
Halkidiki
Larissa
Corfu
Karditsa
Pella
Pieria
Mykonos
Paros
Santorini
Volos
Katerini
Rhodes
Antiparos
Zakynthos
Kos
In these regions and municipalities, food or catering sector-related shops (restaurants, bars, bouzoukia etc.) will close from midnight to 7am.
“We bought 30,000 masks, and today we handed out 500 for free to tourists as they were getting off ferries at the port,” Santorini mayor Antonios Siglas told AFP.
At the time of writing, Santorini has so far reported a relatively low number of cases, hence why authorities are strengthening controls to avoid the spread of the novel virus.
While masks are only required indoors across Greece, Siglas hopes the free ones “will encourage tourists to wear them in places with lots of people” including the charming narrow alleys of Santorini.
In Oia, where visitors catch the best sunset on the Greek island, police will crowd control and will move on people to different places, less known, but with the same view so that there is no overcrowding.
Local authorities seek to extend the tourism season this year, given that under normal circumstances the summer tourist season for Santorini lasts until October, Ethnos reported.
It is recalled the rise in coronavirus cases in recent weeks has forced authorities to gradually reimpose restrictions to curb the spread of the novel virus.
Public and social gathering limits have decreased to a maximum of 50 people, regardless if it is indoor or outdoor in the following regions and municipalities:
Attica
Crete
East Macedonia and Thrace
Thessaloniki
Halkidiki
Larissa
Corfu
Karditsa
Pella
Pieria
Mykonos
Paros
Santorini
Volos
Katerini
Rhodes
Antiparos
Zakynthos
Kos
In these regions and municipalities, food or catering sector-related shops (restaurants, bars, bouzoukia etc.) will close from midnight to 7am.