Cyprus has entered into lockdown again in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus on the island and hospital admissions.
The new lockdown comes into effect from Monday, 26 April until 9 May at midnight.The new lockdown comes into effect from Monday, 26 April until 9 May at midnight.
According to Minister of Health Constantinos Ioannou, a curfew is in place from 9 p.m. until 5 am. Only one trip outside is allowed per person per day via a text message to 8998. Movement for vaccination purposes against COVID-19, does not require a text message.
Among the exceptions for the Easter holidays is allowing the presence of believers in the courtyard of the temples only for Holy Saturday (May 1st), in compliance with the measure of distancing and the health protocol applicable to the operation of the churches, and provided that arrangements will be made for believers to be seated. Inside the temples, only on Holy Saturday the presence of up to 50 people is allowed, on the basis of the protocol. On all other days of the Holy Week, the presence of believers in places of religious worship is prohibited either indoors or outdoors.
On Holy Saturday (May 1st), to facilitate the participation of believers in the Resurrection Mass, the curfew begins at 1 a.m. (Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday) instead of 9 p.m. Saturday night. On all other days, the curfew begins at 9 p.m.
Also on all other days, church and other forms of religious worship in religious places will be performed without the presence of believers. Religious ceremonies (weddings, christenings, funerals) can be held with a maximum of 10 persons are allowed. The presence of believers in places of religious worship is permitted for the purpose of individual prayer and with a maximum number of 10 persons present at the same time.
Meetings, public gatherings or social events, irrespective of venue (private or public space), indoors or outdoors (e.g. squares, dams, picnic areas, marinas) are prohibited. By way of exception and only for Easter Sunday (2 May), in addition to permanent residents, persons from only two families may be present in houses, provided that the total number of persons in the house does not exceed 10 persons, including minors. Two sms messages for movement will be allowed on Easter Day.
The operation of all restaurants (restaurants, tavernas, cafes, beer bars, snack bars and bars, cafeterias and dining areas in shopping centres, canteens and/or sports clubs, cultural centres, clubs, unions, etc.) is suspended, with the exception of the services related to delivery and take away. It is understood that after 9 p.m. only home delivery is allowed.
The operation of open and closed theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas and event venues is suspended as well as the operation of retailers, other than retailers of beverages and food, or sales of essentials as defined in the Decree. Also suspended is the operation of gyms, dance schools and other sports schools. Personal training is allowed in open spaces, where access is allowed on the basis of the Decree with a maximum number of two persons present.
The operation of gambling and betting shops, barber shops, hair salons and beauty salons is suspended. All group tutorials, as well as sports and social activities for children under the age of 18 are prohibited. It is understood that distance learning and teaching with a physical presence of up to two persons, including the teacher/trainer (1+ 1) are permitted.
Remote work in public service is a compulsory for at least 20 % of the staff, with the exception of essential and other services, which will be defined by a Decree.
For private service providers the simultaneous physical presence of 20% of the staff is allowed, with a minimum number of three employees and a maximum of 25 employees per professional practice/legal entity. Increase of the mandatory rate of rapid testing on a weekly basis to 50% of employees. It is understood that businesses/services that will have a physical presence of up to five (5) persons, testing is mandatory for all five persons.
As of 10 May 2021, the above measures are lifted and the arrangements in force are reinstated, provided that in places where there is a gathering (dining areas, meeting places, gyms, retail shops, theatres, etc.), the visitor should carry a rapid test or PCR valid for 72 hours or have been vaccinated with at least the 1st dose of the vaccine three weeks before or to have been infected by the Covid-19 during the last three months.
