Cyprus’ Health Ministry has said that no final decision has been taken on the complete lifting of restrictions for mass events such as concerts, festivals and weddings, urging organisers not to plan for events from September 1st since full lifting of restrictions will be reviewed after September.
In a press release, the Ministry of Health recalls that World Health Organisation and ECDC estimate that events with the participation of many people pose an extremely increased danger of transmitting the virus in the community.
Therefore, such events are prohibited from taking place, particularly if they concern concerts, fairs and festivals where many people come into contact and following hygiene and social distancing measures is impossible.
The Ministry further refers to the fact that such large events make the process of tracing contacts and of controlling the virus transmission extremely difficult.
The WHO and the ECDC also refer to a great risk of the situation derailing in countries which have a good epidemiological picture, such as Cyprus, given that for the time being there is no vaccine available against COVID-19, nor pharmaceutical treatment to prevent it.
It also says the relevant international and European organisations recommend that the possible lifting of restrictions on mass and social events should be reviewed after September and always on the basis of strict conditions and health protocols.
Therefore, the Health Ministry urges event organisers not to plan such events from September 1st, as a relevant final decision has not been taken on the matter.