Coronavirus: 13 people booked at gambling party in Limassol

Limassol police have booked 13 people for gathering at a home in Ypsonas in violation of coronavirus-related decrees and for illegal gambling.

Police told the Cyprus News Agency on Thursday that acting on information and having obtained a court warrant, they had carried out a search at a home in Ypsonas a little after 11 pm on Wednesday.

There they found eight people gambling. Police took away as evidence playing cards and gambling chips. The eight people were charged in writing for gambling.

Police found another three people in the house who were charged with gathering there in order to gamble. After further investigations, they determined that the game was organized by two others, one of whom is the owner of the house, who were also charged in writing.

All 13 were also booked for breaking the decrees to contain the spread of coronavirus.

There is heightened concern about the number of Covid-19 cases in Limassol which has consistently generated a higher positivity rate than other districts.

Although the government is holding back from introducing special measures there to contain the spread of the virus, government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos told CyBC on Thursday that rapid testing and police checks will be stepped up.