Coronavirus: Workers in north protest against measures banning crossings

Tensions rose in the northern part of Nicosia on Monday during a protest by Turkish Cypriots working in the south against the measures that prevent them from getting to their workplaces.

Though the measures announced by Turkish Cypriot authorities according to which people living in the north and working in the south and people living in the south and working in the north would not be able to cross between the two sides without quarantine expired on January 10, the situation was still unclear on Monday.

People who live in the north and work in the south gathered on Monday outside ‘parliament’ where they were stopped by police officers just before the entrance. This led to tensions, with protesters pushing and screaming. One of the protesters fainted and an ambulance was called in to administer first aid.

Despite the lockdown in the government-controlled areas, the construction sector where many of the Turkish Cypriots protesters work, continues operations.

‘Prime minister’ Ersan Saner received a delegation in his office. Saner reportedly asked from the workers to present a confirmation that their workplaces were open and suggested to evaluate the situation regarding workplaces were operating. However, this proposal was rejected by the protesters, who demand the same treatment as Turkish Cypriots residing or working in Pyla or those working in the British bases, who can enter the north without quarantine provided they submit negative PCR test results not older than 72 hours.

Pupils and students living in the north but studying in the south and their parents were also subject to quarantine until January 10 as regards crossings between the two sides, but since schools in the south are operating by distance learning, at least until the end of the month, there is no need for them to cross at the moment.

According to reports in the north, Turkish Cypriot authorities might meet to discuss the situation as regards crossings, but no official announcement has been made on when this will be.