Cyprus imposed a curfew on Monday to contain the spread of coronavirus, extending a broad lockdown introduced two weeks ago after a weekend surge in recorded cases.
From March 31, people with only some exceptions are banned from leaving their homes after 2100 local (1800 GMT) until 0600 the following morning, the health ministry said.
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou on Monday said that the fine for those found disobeying the ban on movement has been doubled to €300.
The overnight curfew will apply to everyone except those who need to be at work during those hours, who will have to carry a confirmation form signed by their employer. People are only allowed to leave their homes once a day and only if they receive permission after sending a text message to 8998. Only those over 65 will be allowed to fill out the printed form (Form B). Those who cannot look after themselves, need to go to the pharmacy, donate blood or visit their doctor are exempt as are those driving a soldier to his unit.
House visits and gatherings are also forbidden, he said, adding that only residents must be in each home. Sample checks will be carried out by police officers or neighbourhood watch groups, he said.
“The goal is to restrict the spread of the virus and people need to realise the critical situation and adopt these measures,” the minister said
Supermarkets, bakeries, butchers and other retails shops will be closed on Sundays, though can deliver. Kiosks can stay open on Sunday as long as they do not sell items usually found in retail shops. No other details were immediately available on this point.
Only three persons are allowed in vehicles, including the driver. This includes private vehicles and taxis.
He also announced that stricter controls will be introduced for those diagnosed with coronavirus and who are in self-isolation and added his ministry is mulling electronic surveillance.
One of the measures under consideration is an ankle bracelet usually used for persons under house arrest, “so that we can monitor their movements”.
The curfew will not apply for night pharmacies and further clarifications will be issued.
As of Tuesday, the operation of travel agencies will also be suspended as well as companies that provide aircraft services except for cargo flights.
He also announced some easing in the regulations for Cypriot permanent residents who are abroad and want to return. The minister said that those who had travelled abroad for medical reasons and their escorts, and students belonging in vulnerable groups are exempt from presenting a health certificate that they do not have coronavirus to be allowed to enter the country.
Upon their return, they will be placed in a 14-day quarantine except those who were abroad for medical reasons. They will be in self-isolation at home.
The exemption for students only concerns those studying abroad who are among vulnerable groups as defined by the health ministry, for example those with chronic diseases and diabetes.
Such students will have to present a confirmation issued by a three-member medical council to which they will have to submit medical certificates concerning their condition. Applications must be submitted to the medical association at cyma@pis.cyma.org.cy.
“If necessary, the republic will charter flights from Athens and London for the return of passengers belonging to the above categories,” Ioannou said.
The minister also announced that there will be more checks at those crossing points which still open.
The new measures follow the confirmation on Sunday of 35 new cases, the majority of which concerned transmission of the virus through a family environment by individuals who had not restricted themselves.
Cyprus Mail
