Cyprus: Authorities tighten some COVID-19 restrictions from October 23 /update 14

Event

Authorities in Cyprus announced that some measures, previously implemented in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), have been tightened, following a rise in virus cases in the country. Under the tightening of restrictions, a nightly curfew between 23:00 - 05:00 (local time) will be implemented in Paphos and Limassol, exemptions to essential workers and medical help apply. Food services, including restaurants and bars in these areas are required to close by 22:30.

Additionally, social gatherings nationwide have been limited to a maximum of ten people while religious services are permitted to have 75 people in attendance. Catering establishments nationwide are prohibited from having more than 75 people for indoor spaces and 150 for outdoor spaces, and no more than six people are allowed at the same table. Face Masks have been made mandatory in all outdoor public spaces.

In regards to international travel, authorities have divided countries into three categories. Travelers from countries in Category A are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. Travelers who have visited a Category B country in the previous 14 days are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure for Cyprus. Travelers who have visited a Category C country within the previous 14 days are prohibited from entering Cyprus. Countries within the three categories as of Oct. 23 can be found here.

Most businesses have resumed operations with government-mandated social distancing and hygiene requirements.

As of October 23, Cyprus has recorded 3314 confirmed coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic, and 25 associated deaths. Further international spread of the disease is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.