ATHENS – The all-male monastic community of Mt. Athos opened its gates for the first time after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic on Monday, to both visitors and workers, following special permits.

The boat company Agioritikes Grammes told Athens-Macedonian News Agency that the ticket offices for boats in Ouranoupoli and Dafni also opened the same day. Several boats sail to the community, including high-speed boats and a ferry transporting fuel and main supplies.

Cruiseship sailings around Mt. Athos will begin on June 15. These are the only ones allowing women and children on board.

Administrators have placed limits on the number of people allowed per building and hermitage, while boats will run on 50 pct capacity.