Coronavirus: More vaccines sent north, two deaths recorded

The second batch of 1,170 Pfizer vaccine doses was delivered to the Turkish Cypriot community on Monday, through the Ayios Dhometios crossing.

The delivery was arranged through the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health and concerns part of the vaccines reserved for Cyprus by the EU.

Last week, the first batch of 1,080 doses was delivered. The north has also received China’s Sinovac vaccines from Turkey.

Meanwhile, two more people with Covid-19 died in the north on Sunday as 27 new cases were announced.

The two latest coronavirus-related deaths are both men, one of whom was 40 and had no underlying condition. The other was 56 and had a serious underlying condition. This brings the total number of deaths in the north to 14.

The 27 new cases announced on Sunday were among 1,740 tests: seven in Nicosia, 19 in Kyrenia and one in Morphou. In total, 2,039 cases have been reported in the north so far.

Schools re-opened on Monday, expect those in Ayios Epiktitos and Vasilia where a larger number of cases have been detected recently. Pupils in those two areas will continue with online classes until further notice.

The same applies for bars, clubs, taverns, cinemas, cafés, betting offices, gyms, tattoo, massage and beauty parlours, barber shops and hairdresser salons. These businesses in Ayios Epiktitos and Vasilia were ordered to suspend operations from Monday until further notice.

The situation remains the same as regards crossings between the two sides. People crossing to the north will be subject to quarantine, including those living there and working in the south and vice versa, as well as pupils and students living in the north and studying in the government-controlled areas.

The same applies for Tylliria residents. Only ambulances can now use the Limnitis/Kato Pyrgos crossing without quarantine. All others using that crossing point will be subject to quarantine.

People receiving health treatment in the south will be allowed to cross for daily visits and will be exempt from quarantine on the condition they present a negative PCR test carried not older than 72 hours. They will be required, however, to undergo PCR testing on the seventh and fourteenth days of their return to the north.