It is reminded that from November 29, the age limit for mask use is reduced to 6 years, in all areas where the use of the protective mask is required and the decision includes primary schools.
Children aged 6 attending pre-primary education are excluded. Outside of school, children must wear a mask in all areas where it is mandatory to use a protective mask under the decrees. According to the Ministry, excluding people with loss of consciousness or who are unable to remove their mask without assistance due to severe motor or mental illness, people with severe autism and people diagnosed with acute or chronic conditions of severe respiratory distress.
It is reported that from November 29, all primary school students will undergo a rapid antigen test (rapid test) on a weekly basis, through the mobile sampling units of the Ministry of Health, until the end of the school year for the Christmas holidays. Children are allowed to attend school during the first week of the measure without having undergone a laboratory test, as it will be conducted at school and guidelines will be given by the Ministry of Education
It is reminded that from November 29, all festive school events are suspended. For other Christmas events organized by various other organizations, an approval permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Health at: healthservices@mphs.moh.gov.cy. It is clarified that school photography is allowed per person, in compliance with all health protocols, provided that photographers will have a valid SafePass.
From November 29, the SafePass possession control using the CovScan Cyprus application will be applied to persons aged 14 and over and the presentation of the digital certificate in printed form is allowed.
From November 29, in areas of high risk of transmission of the virus where case chains will be detected, tests will be carried out with rapid antigen test (rapid test) through the mobile units of the Ministry of Health, regardless of age and vaccination history. The high risk areas will be determined by the Tracing and Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Health and the affected structures or local authorities will be informed.
It is reminded that from December 13 all citizens will have the opportunity to conduct a self-test. The cost for the supply of self-test will be borne by the citizen in case of unvaccinated persons, while in the case of vaccinated persons, they will be subsidized by the Ministry of Health and will be prescribed by the Personal Physicians.
It is clarified that the self-tests do not replace the tests with rapid antigen detection test or PCR for SafePass purposes and that in case of a positive result the result will be confirmed by PCR and the Personal Physician should be informed. More information on availability and use will be announced in the coming days.
It is reminded that from December 15 in the following places will be able to enter ONLY people who have received at least one dose of the vaccine with the necessary condition to have a negative result of PCR laboratory test or rapid antigen test (rapid test).
These venues are indoor and outdoor, but exclude professional athletes, sports workers and people aged 12 to 18, who train or compete in sports venues. It concerns
theaters, amphitheaters, cinemas, auditoriums and employees are excluded by presenting a negative PCR laboratory test or rapid antigen test.
It also applies to nightclubs, discotheques, music and dance venues and restaurants (including shopping malls) and excludes employees by submitting a negative PCR or rapid antigen test. Hotel occupants are excluded, who will be able to visit the on-site dining areas, provided they have a valid SafePass.
Children aged 6-11 are also excluded, meaning they have a SafePass while for children under 6 there is no restriction.
In all other areas not mentioned above, the existing provisions based on the decrees continue to apply.
The Ministry clarifies that the provisions of the decree in force apply to tourists.
As of December 18, SafePass will be abolished for those who have not received the booster dose 7 months after the start of the initial vaccination. However, for persons who have passed the period of 7 months from the reception of the 2nd dose, they will be able to enter the above areas ONLY by presenting a negative PCR laboratory test or rapid antigen test (rapid test), in digital form.
The Ministry will announce in the coming days the reduction of the age limit for vaccination of people aged 30 and over.
It is clarified that in cases of people who can not be vaccinated for medical reasons, the exception applies only after approval by the Ad Hoc committee of the Pancyprian Medical Association. Excluded are people who have fallen ill, provided that less than 6 months have passed and hold a certificate of recovery.
Regarding the SafePass conditions per age, it is stated that from 0-5 years there is no restriction, from 6-11 years a negative laboratory test is required on a weekly basis (excluding 6 year olds attending pre-primary education).
SafePass requirements per age with at least one vaccine dose, or a certificate of illness lasting up to 6 months indicate that a 12-hour negative laboratory test (PCR or rapid antigen rapid test) is required from 17-72 years of age and From 18 and over, a negative laboratory test lasting 72 hours is required in case of PCR and 48 hours in case of rapid antigen detection test (rapid test).
For the Rapid Antigen Test, it is stated that people who have received a dose of vaccine will be entitled to a free laboratory test for rapid antigen (rapid test) through the program of the Ministry of Health, for a period of 3 weeks after its administration. Pfizer / BioΝTech vaccine and 4 weeks after administration of the Moderna vaccine. Individuals who have completed their vaccination regimen and have not received the 3rd dose will not be entitled to a free rapid antigen test (Rapid test) after 7 months from their initial vaccination.