Cyprus: Some COVID-19 measures to be eased and others extended from Feb. 1 /update 26

Event

Cyprus will ease measures imposed on some nonessential businesses in order to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from Feb. 1. Contact businesses, such as beauty salons and tattoo parlors, will be permitted to reopen from this date. Employers may have up to 50 percent of staff on site from Feb. 1.

However, authorities have extended several other measures. Retail stores and shopping malls will remain closed until at least Feb. 8. Educational institutions will also remain closed until Feb. 8.

Cyprus previously tightened COVID-19 measures; these measures are indefinitely in effect. A 2100-0500 curfew is in place nationwide; essential workers and residents seeking emergency medical attention are exempt. Residents are only permitted to leave their homes twice per day after logging their trip with health authorities via text message. Most nonessential businesses and establishments, including entertainment and cultural venues, must close. Retailers may offer home delivery.

The following domestic restrictions also remain in place:

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. 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 no more than 72 hours prior to 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. Direct travel from Category C countries is permitted for Cypriot nationals only with few exceptions. Travelers who have visited a Category C country within the previous 14 days have the same testing requirements as travelers from Category B countries, but they must also undergo a 14-day quarantine in government-assigned accommodation; individuals may be released from quarantine after 10 days if they achieve a negative result in a second test. As of the most recent review on Jan. 16, countries in the three categories are as follows:

Category A: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, and Singapore
Category B: China (including Hong Kong), Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Rwanda, Rwanda, and South Korea
Category C: All other countries

All international arrivals must register online through the official Cyprus Flight Pass website within 24 hours of departure from their point of origin.

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.