Thursday 6 August 2020

Beginning of the End

 The island is bursting with holiday makers.  Cars everywhere, hotels full.



Octopus hanging up outside a seaside taverna


Summer visitors enjoying sun and sea


One of the bays


All the beaches are crowded

These were photos this week on the island.
Next weeks photos maybe a little different.

We have 18 confirmed covid-19 cases on the island.
From tomorrow everything will be closed between the hours of 11pm and 7am.  Masks are compulsory indoors and outdoors. No gatherings in public or private of more than 9 people.  No farmer's market tomorrow.  Tavernas and cafeterias will still be open during the day.  Restrictions to last for 10 days.    A special force is coming down to enforce all the new rules.


We have known about this for almost a week. Rumours and gossip have been flying like lightening around the island and finally tonight we got an official announcement.

I can imagine the visitors will be leaving in droves.

26 comments:

  1. oh linda this is terrible news. So many peoples living depends on tourists. I hope you are safe and well

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    1. It is extremely bad news at the worst possible time. 15 th August is a huge holiday and locals would picked some of the economic slack. Summer is over.
      I think we are safe. I had to go down today to pick up medicine and essentials. Now it's lockdown

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  2. Sorry to hear that Linda. I expect you have heard we were told yesterday that we must have masks available for all family members ready for WHEN not IF the Pandemic returns.

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    1. I did hear that even NZ is expecting a second round. It's happening all over Europe so we were waiting for this to happen. Unfortunately it came sooner than later.
      It ain't over yet

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  3. Not good to hear Linda.
    I suppose that was the risk that was to come once things began to open up again. Unfortunately it's a 'problem' that's not going to go away anytime soon.
    So like all of us it's back to :- Stay home, Stay safe, Stay well

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    1. The virus wasn't spread by a tourist but a local returning from overseas. Instead of staying at home for 14 days he went to a party. Of course there shouldn't have been a party either. Negligent locals.
      Stay home, stay safe. So true

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  4. That is as to hear, I had hoped the hot weather might knock the virus out. We are having a huge second wave here, staying at home for another 6 weeks. Stay safe.

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    1. You're in quarantine for a really long time, for a second time. I hope that's the end of it for you.

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  5. Take care, Linda. I hope you and your family stay safe, Mxx

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    1. We are staying away from the rest of the island. May still go swimming in the bay below us but very early in the morning, not that we expect crowds anymore

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  6. Today my oldest son flies off to Vienna, then to Athens, then to Slovakia. I think he might encounter some VERY high temperatures, and possibly some virus too. Still; work is work, but I'd rather he was coming here.

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    1. Temperatures in Athens should be a bit lower but it's a big dusty, dirty city. Thankfully he can continue working in this situation.
      At least he's in Europe.

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  7. We can only hope they find a safe vaccine soon
    And we can then get back to living our lives
    It would be so hard to stay inside when it’s so lovely outside
    Stay safe

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    1. Summer temperatures do make it a little more difficult. At least we can still swim, hopefully safely, without crowds , otherwise we'll be scuttling back home.

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  8. That's really sad news. It harms the islanders and it harms all those people who have been hanging out for a holiday. And all because one person couldn't respect their own community enough to take personal precautions / follow the rules. Keep your family close.

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    1. Thanks Tigger. It will be family and no one else for the next 2 weeks.
      Poros was a popular destination, so close to Athens and the island was full. They are lining up now for the car ferry to go home, or elsewhere

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  9. It's lovely that you have that beach close by - just stay away from people for now. I'm busy sewing masks for the family for any future need (which I'm sure will happen).

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    1. I heard that kiwis have been told to stock up on masks. I wish I could sew a straight seam. I'm making a couple of very simple, larger masks for my husband but hand sewing is giving me cramps in the thumb!

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  10. It's a tough situation for all business. I haven't been to Santa Fe since Covid came out, but I imagine it's pretty quiet right now. One of my friends went a few weeks ago, said they had a lovely time walking around the plaza...but I don't want to walk around w/a mask on, so I guess I'll continue to go through my clutter :-)

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    1. I don't mind wearing a mask. I've got used to it but why risk any contact when you dont have to.

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  11. They should leave the island to just the people who reside there.

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    1. It's the economics. One more month and everyone will be home anyway, the kids at school

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  12. Oh ye god's now everyone leaves to Athens and further beyond. Surprised tavernas are allowed to stay open and not just take away. Keep safe enjoy a swim.

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    1. They dont want to close the ilsands completely because it is summer and this is when money is made. They say these new rules are enough. We will see

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  13. Scotland was a disaster at the start then we got down to single numbers, but teenagers n local Aberdeen football team ignored all rules!. Now all bets off!.crying.

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    1. The younger generation just dont follow the rules. Thats what happened here, not the imports.

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