Greece has begun deploying police units on resort islands to monitor compliance with coronavirus restrictions due to the increase in cases of infection.
This is reported by The Guardian.
The authorities have taken steps to strengthen the police presence on the islands of Mykonos and Ios, as concerns have arisen that local businesses are not complying with health measures aimed at containing the pandemic.
“The Delta option means that every country is dealing with the fourth wave now, and not as expected in November. While hotels and family-type establishments are diligently implementing protocols, there are more crowds in bars than we would like to see, especially among young people, so we are trying to maintain a certain balance, ” said Greek Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis
Only 186 law enforcement officers were sent to Mykonos, compared to 56 stationed there at this time last year.
On Thursday, another 30 police officers, supported by security officers and undercover agents, were sent to Ios, a popular island among young tourists who are attracted by its bars, discos, and rock clubs.
Nikos Hardalias, Deputy Minister of Civil Protection of Greece, said that Mykonos and Ios are “one step away” from introducing additional restrictions and that the situation on the islands of Zakynthos, Tinos, Lefkada, Santorini, Paros, and Rhodes is also of concern.
