Turkish Cypriot authorities extended the enforcement of coronavirus measures for an additional seven days and postponed the reopening of internet cafes in the north, it emerged on Saturday.

According to the “prime minister” Ersan Saner, the curfew currently enforced from 10pm to 5am daily including Saturdays will be extended until April 19 instead of April 12.

During those days, people will have access to retail shops, bakeries, butcheries, petrol stations, pharmacies and restaurants.

A complete traffic ban remains on Sundays with movement only permitted for urgent and basic needs, he added. Only pharmacies and bakeries are operating on Sundays.

Teachers of final-grade high school students and nursery school teachers will have to undergo a weekly coronavirus rapid test, according to Saner.

Meanwhile, to ensure Covid cases remain in mandatory self-isolation, the “health ministry” will establish an electronic bracelet monitoring system.

In light of the Ramadan which begins in the evening of April 13, the “prime minister” urged people to pray at home. However, people can visit places of worship abiding to one third of the room’s capacity.