CNA
Restrictive measures started gradually relaxing on Monday in Cyprus after a lockdown preventing the spread of coronavirus.
“A little longer. With prudence, consistency and patience we will make it” President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades wrote on Sunday on Facebook.
From Monday, May 4, the construction sector resumes operations, along with street markets and retail businesses, except malls, in line with guidelines and instructions issued by the authorities to observe protective measures.
Businesses inside shopping malls will remain closed, as well as restaurants and playgrounds operating within shops.
Employees from the public and wider public sector also return Monday to their workplaces.
Restrictions in public and private hospitals also start being lifted partially and will continue to do so in line with the instructions of the Ministry of Health.
Next Monday, May 11, a total of 7,118 pupils in the final year of Lyceum will also return to their classes.
Citizens will be allowed to sent three sms per day to go out of their homes, compared to one that was the case until now. The curfew from 10pm to 6am remains in force.
People are also allowed to go to churches, mosques and other places of worship to pray, but only 10 people are allowed simultaneously indoors.
Measures are expected to relax in four stages, according to a government plan, with the first stage ending on May 20 and the final stage on July 14. Decisions to proceed to the next stage will be taken in line with epidemiological data.
Cyprus’ Ministry of Health took the first set of measures on January 23, 2020, with strict controls on those arriving from China. On February 28, 2020, the Council of Ministers decided to activate the Cyprus Crisis Management Centre and to suspend the operation of four crossing points for more effective control of those passing though.
The first entry ban to Republic of Cyprus ports and airports entered into force on March 15 and on March 24, a decree by the Minister of Health banned all unnecessary movement.
CNA
