Symi Chat

The info below is translated from from the online version of a newspaper published in Chania, Crete (source URL at the end). Not good news for accommodation and cafe/taverna proprietors - or indeed would-be tourists, but it's not our businesses at risk.

Jan

All tourist accommodations in Greece closed until 30 April - 15 March, 2020

Prohibitions continue in our country due to the coronavirus pandemic, as tourist shops and businesses are already closed, and now tourist accommodations are being added.

According to a Joint Ministerial Decision entitled: "Imposition of the measure of temporary closure of seasonal tourist accommodation from 15.3.2020 to 30.4.2020", published in Government Gazette, it is decided that "Temporary prohibition of operation throughout Greece for preventive public health reasons, for the period from 15.3.2020 to 30.4.2020, of the main and non-main seasonal tourist accommodations. In respect of those already in operation at the time of publication of these tourist accommodations referred to in the preceding subparagraph, the provisional ban shall enter into force on 23.3.2020 and shall last until 30.4.2020."

From: http://www.haniotika-nea.gr/kleinoyn-ka ... -ti-chora/

Thanks for that information Jan.

It's a shame that the ban covers the important Easter period but it's best to be careful and the Greek government seem to be behaving very responsibly.
The situation is changing hour by hour so, whilst there's no reason to panic now it is wise to keep an eye on things particularly if you have a holiday booked in the coming few months.

I came back from Symi last week and all was going well with bars and a few tavernas open as per usual in winter, however all that has changed now and friends there tell me that they are all now closed. Obviously the people of Symi must follow the decrees of the Greek government and they are doing so. Hopefully for the businesses there the situation will improve over the next few months but I am sure we all agree that it is better to be safe than sorry and that the people of the island are not put under any threat of illness. The good news is that Stavros is now working at Scena in Chorio and was well and enjoying himself there last week, lets hope we all get a chance to see him in summer.

Thanks Colette for the update. Sad times indeed for us all. Adriana's blog has been very informative too. Best wishes to all on Symi, we will all be back when we are able to.

One could just imagine what would happen with an influx of tourists spreading the virus on a small island like Symi with a medical infrastructure that is geared for normal life.
Stay safe Symi - our thoughts are with you and we will return to you as soon as we can.