Strict containment measures are to go into effect on the Argo-Saronic island of Poros from Friday 7th August after thirteen people were diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.  The measures include a curfew shutting down all businesses from 11:00 pm unti 07:00 am the following day, a ban on public and private gatherings of any kind involving more than nine people, suspension of farmers' markets, village festivals as well as a maximum of four people allowed to sit at the same table in cafes, tavernas and restaurants.  Masks have also to be worn in all public spaces, indoor and out.  These restrictions were extended until 24th August at least, pending a fresh assessment of the outbreak on the island.  Although only an hour away from Ermioni, the island of Poros belongs to the Prefecture of Attica, not Argolida.

Local reports say that the sudden spike in the number of infections may be attributed to a large pool party in which a number of local young people were in attendance.  Poros residents say that the youths may have transmitted the coronavirus to their families, as well as staff at the restaurants and cafes where they worked.  On Saturday 8th August the number of infected cases rose to 24, however, the Mayor stated that 30 had tested possitive, more are expected as 130 people in total were tested and awaiting results.

On Friday afternoon, residents and visitors received a message on their mobile phones from the Greek Civil Protection via 112, which informed them of the Covid-19 outbreak on the island and invited them to wear a mask.  Many tourists started to leave the island over the weekend, the usually busy port was almost empty of yachts by the end of Sunday. The few remaining tourists and locals seen on the nearly deserted streets of Poros town are all wearing masks, observing the measures.  Many locals feel that a similar situation exists in neighbouring Galatas, located on the mainland only 320 metres from Poros, as well as other islands.  They hope that the quarantine of Poros will be a lesson for other local communities that may have become complacent, due to the early success of controlling the virus spread. 

Two new cases of Covid-19 have been registered in the coastal town of Epidavros according to reports on Thursday 6th August, confirmed by the Mayor of Epidavros with a message on social media.

A strict night-time curfew, between midnight and 7:00 am, has been impossed on bars and restaurants on the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes, Zakynthos and Crete.  Restrictions also apply in the cities of Thessaloniki, Larissa, Volos and Katerini.

Poros Update:  Tuesday 25th August 2020

Some of the strict measures imposed on Poros to limit the spread pf Coronavirus cases have been lifted, but the island will remain under close observation by government authorities.  However, certain restrictions still apply until 06:00 Tuesday 1st September.