Focus rolls up - Everything that is valid from today

Cyprus woke up today with relaxations, as, among other things, the dining areas are open outside and the "kerfio" will now be at 23:00.

Detailed what is valid from today:

(a) First pillar (validity March 16-31): Targeted measures indoors with increased incidence of cases and with a high risk of transmission (offices, municipalities, homes, etc) in an effort to stop the spread in these areas:

(i) 30% is returned to service companies by updating the weekly rapid tests program to 30% of the employees of these companies and at the same time strengthening the supervision and controls.

(ii) Considering that children are carriers with an increased risk of transmission / dispersion and delay in their detection as they are mostly asymptomatic, with the inability to impose diagnostic tests, making the silent carriers at risk of spreading the virus with increased serotonin and given that there are many chains of cases in the Primary Schools of the Limassol District, it was decided that Suspension of operation of Primary Schools in the District of Limassol with physical presence of students until March 31.

(Iii)  Extension of the suspension of the physical presence of the Gymnasiums on a nationwide basis for the next two weeks (until 31.03.2021), in order to prevent outbreaks of cases.

(b) Second Pillar: Measures aimed at increasing the compliance of the world and at the same time the psychologicalς citizens' recovery:

(i) Authorized by Monday, March 15, access to squares and parks up to 6 people with mandatory use of mask by people from different households.

(Ii) Only for Monday, March 15, access to picnic areas and dams is allowed.

(iii) Reopen by Tuesday, March 16, only the outdoor areas of the catering establishments, with strict protocol to be published, in compliance with the distance measures and the sanitary instructions.

(iv) Moves from on Tuesday, March 16, the time of the traffic ban from 9 pm to 11 pm.

This is how the focus opens - The protocol

In view of the reopening from tomorrow, March 16, 2021, of the catering companies, and with the aim of their safe operation for the benefit of businesses, employees and citizens, the Health Services of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Scientific Advisory Committee on Coronavirus, have issue health protocol.

Based on the health protocol, the following are indicated, which, among other things, will enter into force from tomorrow:

• The operation of the dining areas is allowed until 10.45 p.m..
• The dining areas whose operation is allowed are:
  • restaurants,
  • taverns,
  • cafes,
  • breweries,
  • snack bars and pubs,
  • cafes,
  • dining areas inside shopping malls,
  • dining areas within hotels and tourist accommodation, canteens and / or sports clubs, cultural clubs, clubs, associations, etc.).
  • not covered by a roof, permanent or temporary, and
  • which is covered by a roof, has three (3) sides permanently open.
  • The operation and use of bars inside and outside the dining areas is limited exclusively for the preparation of food or beverages by the employees and the direct service from the bar is prohibited, with the exception of the cafes that according to their function the public is served directly by the brewery. The maximum number of people in the waiting / service line indoors not to exceed 10 people.

• The service of the public is done only in outdoor dining areas. Outdoor space is defined as any space that it is not internal or closed and has sufficient natural oxygenation. Adequate natural oxygenation exists in every space which:
  • not covered by a roof, permanent or temporary, and
  • which is covered by a roof, has three (3) sides permanently open.

• Defined the 2 sq.m. per person for outdoor areas. For example, if a restaurant has 400 sq.m. outdoors could serve up to 200 people, provided that the location of the tables, according to the protocol, allows this number.
• The service of the public is done mandatory and exclusively on table seats (sitting only).
• The maximum number of persons per table is 8 people.
• Employees must must wear a mask throughout work (excluding roasters).
• Mandatory use of a mask by customers at all hours located on the premises, such as and when moving around the space, except for the duration of active feeding.
• The operation of playgrounds is not allowed(indoor or outdoor) in dining areas.

• Any kind of music is forbiddenwhich excites the dancers as well dancing is prohibited and guests are not allowed to stand and rock around their table.

Note that for safe restart it is mandatory laboratory testing of antigen test (fast test) to all catering workers before commencement and then weekly with the corresponding percentage based on the number of employees as defined under the relevant Decree.

The Ministry of Tourism, in cooperation with the Police, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the health protocol and the guidelines and measures in the restaurants.