New tougher measures were decided by the Council of Ministers in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus in Cyprus.
The new package will be implemented in two phases. The first starts on Thursday (06/1) and the second on Monday (10/1).
The first phase (6/1):
-The number of gatherings in homes is reduced to 10 people, not including children up to 12 years old
- A maximum of 200 people is set 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.
-It becomes mandatory to show proof of identification (identity card, passport, driver's license) during the Safepass check in the places where it is required, with the heads of the premises / companies to proceed to the identification of the data.
- Close contacts, regardless of history of vaccination or disease, should be submitted on the 3rd and 5th day from the last date of contact with the case, Rapid antigen detection test or PCR laboratory test.
-Prohibition of expenses / overnight stay of residents from closed structures and nursing homes
Lifting 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 from various countries
-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.
-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.
The second phase (10/1)
-Operation of all public and private schools of Primary and Secondary 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
-Primary students in private and public schools should have a negative Rapid test twice a week
-Determination of a ceiling of 200 people for restaurants, entertainment centers, 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
-Increase of the telework rate to 50%
-Accommodation and visit to hotel units / tourist accommodation will be allowed only to people who have started or completed their vaccination program and the time period required to receive the 2nd or 3rd dose of vaccine has not passed.