Another popular Cyclades holiday island has come under the scrutiny of public health officials and civil defense authorities after a surge in the number of confirmed Covid-19 infections, with Ios now facing the prospect of unpopular restrictions, mainly on night-time outdoor activities.

The ominous prospect comes two days after an early morning (1 a.m. to 6 a.m.) pandemic-related curfew and a ban on music at bars and clubs was lifted on the jet-setting island of Mykonos.

Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis warned that Ios was heading towards a similar restriction “because business owners (there) are taking measures”.

Some 30 police officers will be dispatched to the island on Thursday, following 186 officers already sent to Mykonos under a new commander for the isle.