Tougher Covid restrictions could be imposed on some of Greece’s most popular holiday islands amid a rapid rise in infections.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) marked the South Aegean islands in the very high risk category of dark red last week.
Officials have advised against all but essential travel to the region, which covers destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Kos.
Nikos Hardalias, Greece’s Deputy Civil Protection Minister, said that Mykonos and Ios were “one step” away from further restrictions being imposed to deal with rising infections.
Both islands have currently been marked as ‘orange’ under Greece’s Covid system of restrictions.
A move to the red category could see a midnight-to-6am curfew imposed in addition to tighter rules on hospitality venues and a ban on music and all events.
He added that the situation is also worrying on the islands of Zakynthos, Tinos, Lefkada, Santorini, Paros and Rhodes.
Mr Hardalias said: “We urge local authorities and visitors to pay close attention to personal protection measures and operations rules, especially in areas of high congestion.
“The situation still calls for caution. The epidemiological data clearly show the virus is still among us. It is essential we continue to adhere to health measures and protocols.”
Greece and all of its islands is currently on Scotland’s amber list for international travel. This means that fully vaccinated travellers can avoid quarantine rules when arriving back in Scotland.
Changes to Scotland’s traffic light system are expected to be announced later this week.
Fully vaccinated citizens from the European Union and the United States will be allowed to bypass quarantine rules from today.
Travellers from countries must show evidence that they have received both doses of approved vaccinations before entering Scotland.
Tourists will still need to provide evidence of a negative Covid test before travel and within two days of their arrival in the country.
