ON THE Greek Island of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, in the sparkling Ionian sea, former Cowes resident Becky Giakoumelos says panic-buying has been mostly restricted to coffee, despite cases of coronavirus being diagnosed there.
Becky is based in Bochali, on the east coast of the popular tourist destination of Zante, which is about the size of the Isle of Wight.
She used to live in Cowes.
Becky lives in the village Bochali, Zante in Greece
She told the Isle of Wight County Press: "The sun is still shining, the shelves are stocked and Greek hospitality continues.
"Last week it was announced that four people had contracted the virus from a pilgrimage trip to Jerusalem and they were held in home quarantine.
"The schools were closed here for two days and then it was announced that cinemas, sports centres, gyms and public celebrations would close too.
"The extension on the school closure has been extended for another two weeks."
A text was sent, warning people to stay at home
On Thursday, Greece reported its first death from coronavirus - a 66-year-old man with underlying health conditions who had been on that pilgrimage.
The residents of Zante are primed not to seek help in person, if they are worried they may have contracted COVID-19.
Instead, as in the UK, they must telephone to ask for advice.
Becky explains: "The hospital gates have been locked and we all have a number to call.
"Then it is case-by-case as to who is allowed entry into the hospital."
There have been few warning posters like those seen on the Isle of Wight, says Becky, but pharmacies have put up signs saying 'we have no masks'.
On Wednesday, says Becky, a text message was sent to residents warning them to stay at home and not to put anyone else at risk, complete with a warning alarm that sounded when the text was received.
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