Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades announced that the country’s borders will be shut down for 15 days to help fight the spread of coronavirus.
Cyprus, Greece: 13 March 2020
As of Sunday, 15 March, the measures include a ban on entry to citizens who do not fall under the following categories:
(a) Cypriot citizens,
(b) legal residents in the Republic of Cyprus;
(c) European or third-country nationals working in the Republic;
(d) nationals of countries in an authorized service / mission under bilateral or international conventions;
(e) individual cases of European nationals or third-country nationals for unavoidable professional obligations, provided that such authorization is obtained from the competent Ministry;
(f) European or third-country nationals attending educational institutions in the Republic of Cyprus.
If citizens of the above categories are traveling to Cyprus from China's Hubei Province, Italy, Iran and the Republic of Korea, they will remain confined to medical supervision for a period of 14 days.
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced additional measures on Sunday. As March 16, and for a period of four weeks the following companies must suspend their operations:
Malls, department stores
Cafes, coffee shops, bars and all catering companies. Delivery services are excluded.
Recreation centres
Cinemas, theatres, other venues for performances
Libraries
Museums, archaeological and historic sites
Betting shops, casinos etc.
Sport facilities, sports clubs, cultural clubs and other clubs
Theme parks, luna parks etc
Barbers, hairdressers’ salons, beauty -massage centres
The above companies can carry on administrative or other work behind closed doors, provided they adhere to all rules of hygiene.
Hotels must suspend operations until April 30. They can continue to operate for another six days to cater for existing clients.
Retail trade companies which provide basic services which relate to health and the smooth operation of society remain open:
Retail food trade, provided they adhere to the rule of not more than one person at the same time per eight square metres of space
Pharmacies
Private health services (labs)
Open markets
Bakeries and delicatessens (no tables or seats)
Petrol stations
Kiosks
Retail companies which do not belong to the category that must suspend their operation must not have more than five employees in the working area.
On Sunday, the Council of Ministers announced a EUR 700 million support package for the economy, workers as well as vulnerable groups. An additional EUR 100 million will be provided to boost the public health system.
Photo (c) Greek City Times
Sources:
Cyprus PIO, 15 March 2020
Cyprus PIO, 13 March 2020
In-Cyprus, 15 March 2020
Reuters, 13 March 2020
Greek City Times, 14 March 2020