A series of measures divided into five pillars, aimed at, among other things, the further promotion of the vaccination program, decided tonight the Council of Ministers, chaired by the President of the Republic Nikos Anastasiadis, which include incentives to encourage vaccination, return Safepass to indoor outdoor areas of increased synergy and termination from August 1 of free rapid tests.
As the new Minister of Health, Michalis Hadjipandelas, announced after the session of the House, the Ministry addresses "mainly to our young people, in the future of this place, and we call on them to consider the magnitude of their responsibility. To protect themselves primarily. And then, their family members, their parents, grandparents, our whole society in general. "
"Our goal is to open the door to our freedom. And we ask our young people to take the first step! "Let them hurry to be vaccinated and send the message that in this fight, we are all united", he noted.
Specifically, said Mr. Hadjipandelas, the Council of Ministers decided today a series of measures that are divided into five pillars, as follows:
Pillar 1: Incentives for encouraging and speeding up the vaccination program:
Grant of holiday allowance to vaccinated from July 15 to August 31. All the details will be announced by the Ministry of Tourism next Monday.
Granting a five-day honorary leave to those national guards who were vaccinated or will be vaccinated until August 31, 2021. The honorary days will be granted to the national guards of the 2020 ESSO as well as to the conscripts of the 2021 ESSO.
Employees in the public, wider public and private sectors will be able to be absent from work for the entire day of their vaccination, without the day being deducted from the employee's leave of absence. If it is a two-dose vaccine, it is valid for both days.
The same will apply in the case of a parent / legal guardian of a minor child, provided that the parent / legal guardian accompanies his / her minor child for vaccination and that a copy of the child's Vaccination Card is submitted for confirmation.
Pillar 2: Authorization of the Minister of Health to continue the consultation with Public Law organizations and private organizations and companies, to provide incentives for vaccination, especially to encourage young people aged 18-30.
"Upon completion of the consultation, the Minister of Health will present these incentives at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers," he said.
Pillar 3: Stricter measures in areas of increased synergy and increased risk of virus transmission, where outbreaks have emerged:
From July 9, you will be required to have a SafePass indoors and outdoors, where there is an increased risk of transmission and more than 20 people congregate (eg workplaces, bars, clubs, weddings, graduation and birthday parties, etc.). In case of having SafePass with a negative result from PCR or rapid test, this should be valid for 72 hours.
From July 9 to July 20, football matches are only allowed for people who have completed their vaccination regimen or have been vaccinated with the first dose of the vaccine and have passed 1 weeks, for people who hold a negative PCR certificate with a validity of 3 hours and for people who got sick with COVID-19 in the last 6 months at a rate of 50% fullness of the pitches. 50% capacity with the same criteria applies to cinemas, theaters and concerts.
As of July 21, only people who have completed their vaccination regimen and those who have contracted the disease are allowed to enter football matches. COVID-19 in the last 6 months at a rate of 75% fullness of the pitches. 75% capacity with the same criteria applies to cinemas, theaters and concerts.
From 1 August 2021, Cypriots and passengers legally residing in the Republic of Cyprus must follow the protocols that apply to all passengers, unless they have been vaccinated with the first dose of the vaccine. Specifically, only people who have been vaccinated with the first dose of the vaccine will be entitled to undergo a molecular examination at the airports of the Republic upon arrival.
That is, he explained, "if they are not vaccinated with at least the 1st dose or do not have a recovery certificate and will travel by PCR test from Orange and Red Category countries, they should have a negative PCR result from their country of origin with a valid 72 hours ". He clarified that the decision excludes minors aged 12-15 years and people aged 16 and over with serious health problems who are not entitled to be vaccinated.
Pillar 4: Intensify the information campaign for public enlightenment, focusing on young people, on vaccinations.
Pillar 5: Stricter controls and supervision of the implementation of protocols and health guidelines.
The Minister of Health also stated that "in addition to the above, the Council of Ministers has decided to abolish the provision of the free rapid antigen test program from August 1".
The decision excludes minors aged 12-15 and people aged 16 and over with serious health problems who are not eligible for vaccination, he said.