No soundtrack for your sunset - the Greek island of Mykonos bans music and sets curfew amid new COVID-19 precautions
In an effort to maintain social distancing, especially after a few holiday drinks, the popular Greek island of Mykonos has banned music across all food and drink outlets, as well as all shops, at all times until further notice. A new overnight curfew has also been imposed - citizens and tourists alike need to be indoors between the hours of 1 am and 6 am each morning.
The new restrictions are in response to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases on the island.
Related: On the ground: What it's like visiting Greece right now
Having the general reputation to be the high-end 'party island' of Greece, this move seems rather unusual. For those looking to party and socialize during the hot summer days and mild evenings, Mykonos is now a considerably less interesting destination.
Visitors hoping to enjoy the famous sunsets with a cocktail in hand will have to do so without a soundtrack in the background. While the island's famous superclubs like the Cavo Paradiso are currently open for the summer season, their roster of international DJs won't be spinning any tunes while the music ban remains.
Tourists are still welcome, they just should not expect the normal Mykonos experience.
The island's mayor, Konstantinos Koukas, feels this is unfair. On Facebook, he writes "Mykonos cannot be the only island where music won't be heard... the only thing this will achieve is that visitors will go to another island."
The new restrictions may be extended to other Greek islands, though are likely to have the greatest impact on Mykonos where beats can usually be heard from midday until the sun rises the next morning.
Related: Missed the boat to Mykonos? Time for Tinos and Syros
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