Cyprus: Authorities to tighten measures imposed to stem coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from 0500 Jan. 10 /update 25

Event

Cyprus will tighten measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from 0500 Jan. 10-31. Residents will only be permitted to leave their homes twice per day after logging their trip with health authorities via text message. Most businesses and establishments, including shopping malls, entertainment venues, places of worship, retail stores and contact businesses, such as hairdressers and salons, must close. Retailers may offer home delivery.

The following domestic restrictions also remain in place until at least Jan. 31:

A 2100-0500 curfew will be in place, with the exception of persons seeking emergency medical help, as well as essential workers.
Household gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Members of different households are prohibited from mixing in private homes; exceptions apply for carers and for medical support.
Weddings, baptisms, and funerals may take place in places of worship, but may not exceed 10 attendees.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars can offer takeaway services only.
A maximum of two people, excluding children, is permitted to gather in public.
Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and in all outdoor public spaces, except while exercising, in addition to all indoor public spaces.

Additionally, authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. Authorities have divided countries into three categories. Travelers from countries in Category A do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. Travelers who have visited a Category B country in the previous 14 days require a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before their departure for Cyprus; some arrivals, including Cypriot citizens, residents, and family members, can also take a test on arrival but must self-isolate until the result is confirmed. Travelers who have visited a Category C country within the previous 14 days have the same testing requirements, though they must also self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Countries in the three categories are as follows:

Category A: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore
Category B: China (including Hong Kong), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Uruguay, and Vatican City
Category C: All other countries

All international arrivals must register online through the official CyprusFlightPass website within 24 hours of departure from their point of origin. In addition, until at least Jan. 10, all travelers from the UK must undergo testing on arrival at Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO) airports and self-isolate for seven days at a designated hotel. After seven days, they must be tested again; if the test is negative, they are permitted to move to their accommodation, though they must continue to self-isolate after a further three days.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.