ATHENS — Another Greek island – Crete – is having more health protocols put in place after an outbreak of COVID-19 as the New Democracy government continues to scramble to contain it and make people wear masks and stay safe distances from each other.

The emergency restrictions were implemented on the region of Irakleio and include a ban on all public events including parties, religious festivals and street markets while all public and private gatherings must be limited to no more than nine people. 

A maximum of four people can be seated per table at cafes or restaurants (or six people in the event that the people are first degree relatives while masks are mandatory in all public areas, open or closed, said Kathimerini.

The restrictions resemble those already in force in many popular tourist areas including Hania, also on Crete, as well as Halkidiki and the islands of Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos, Zakynthos and Lesbos so far.