The strictest measures adopted by the Ministry were announced at noon on January 5 by the Minister of Health.
"Yesterday, the President of the Republic listened carefully to the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee on the epidemiological picture of the country. The Council of Ministers today approved the suggestions of the experts who hope to stop the pandemic.
The message of the Council of Ministers is clear. We must trust science and support teamwork.
"There is no other way!", Said among others Hadjipandelas.
The Council of Ministers decided:
(a) the operation of all public and private primary and secondary schools education normally on January 10, 2022, as announced in a previous decision of the Council of Ministers. It is reminded that, all students, teachers and other staff upon their return must submit a negative Rapid test lasting 48 hours. It is recalled that pre-school, kindergartens and nurseries are operating normally from January 7, 2022
(Β) from January 10, 2022, primary school students in private and public schools should have a negative Rapid test twice a week
(c) from 6 January 2022, reducing the number of home gatherings to 10 people, not including children up to 12 years old
(d) from January 10, 2022, setting a ceiling of 200 people for restaurants, entertainment venues, music and dance centers, weddings and baptisms, in accordance with health protocols and the maximum number of people per square meter in force. Compulsory service exclusively on table seats. The maximum number of people per table is set at 8 people. It is reminded that dancing is prohibited in the above areas
(e) from January 6, 2022, setting a ceiling of 200 people for churches and places of religious worship, in compliance with health protocols and the maximum number of people per square meter in force. It is reminded that, as is the case for all indoor and outdoor areas, during the sanctification of the waters on the day of the Epiphany, the citizens are obliged to wear a protective mask and keep the necessary distances. It is recommended to avoid the use of a fabric protective mask.
(f) from 6 January 2022, the obligatory presentation of proof of identification (identity card, passport, driving license) during the Safepass check at the places where it is required, with the heads of the establishments / companies proceeding to the identification of the data.
(g) from January 10, 2022, increase the teleworking rate to 50%
(the) from January 10, 2022, accommodation and visits to hotels / tourist accommodation will only be allowed to persons who have started or completed their vaccination program and the time period required to receive the 2nd or 3rd vaccine dose has not elapsed
(i) the provision of additional packaging with 5 self-tests in people aged 12 and over who have completed their vaccination program
(j) from January 6, 2022, close contacts regardless of history of vaccination or disease, to be subjected on the 3rd and 5th day from the last date of contact with the case, to Rapid antigen detection test or to PCR laboratory test
(k) from January 6, 2022, the prohibition of expenses / overnight stay of residents from closed structures and nursing homes
(l) from January 6, 2022, the lifting of the mandatory state quarantine of passengers coming from the countries of South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, as based on our epidemiological picture, the entry of the Omicron variant into our country is made by various
(m) from January 6, 2022, those who arrive in the Republic of Cyprus and refuse to undergo a PCR laboratory test will then be taken to a state quarantine for a period of 14 days and can be released on the 7th day, provided that they perform a PCR laboratory test. The costs of quarantine and examination will be borne by the citizen.
(n) from 6 January 2022, All passengers aged 12 and over arriving in the Republic of Cyprus must have a PCR laboratory test lasting at least 72 hours before leaving for the Republic.
(o) the extension of the existing measures until 31 January 2022