Athens: Greece's government has ordered authorities on islands facing the coast of Turkey to reduce the number of migrants allowed to travel by ferry to the mainland so that more temporary shelters can be set up to cope with the crisis triggered by border restrictions in countries further north.
The Merchant Marine Ministry said ferry companies and regional authorities had been given the instructions Friday, as the number of migrants and refugees stranded in Greece continues to rise with thousands sleeping rough in parks and along the country's highways as existing shelters are filled to capacity.
The ministry said chartered ferries would be used on Lesbos and other islands to provide temporary shelter through Sunday.
About 2,000 people are arriving daily from Turkey using dinghies and small boats.
