Answers to frequently asked questions on what changes apply from May 10 as part of the strategy to relaunch the economy and social activities
(Cabinet decisions of May 5, 2021)
Α. Outdoor movements
- The travel ban applies from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning.
- For what reasons are movements permitted during the curfew hours (11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning)?
Movement of persons during curfew hours continues to be permitted for the following reasons:
– for work purposes to and from the workplace by presenting a Form A, completed and signed by the employer, certifying the necessity of travel during the above hours.
– for purposes of urgent and unavoidable need, i.e. to visit a medical centre, hospital, pharmacy or veterinary clinic for urgent medical cases, and for providing emergency assistance to persons unable to attend to themselves or who must self-isolate.
- How many times per day will exceptional travel be allowed?
Texting 8998 for a special reason to move is eliminated as of May 10 and there is no limit to the number of outings allowed per person per day.
The requirement for moving to specific locations entails presenting one of the following proofs:
– A certificate of vaccination with at least one dose and after a period of three weeks has elapsed, or
– Proof that a person has been ill with Covid-19 within the last 6 months. It is understood that a coronavirus case deemed a person who had been detected positive to the virus via molecular test or rapid antigen test and was reported by the clinical laboratory or rapid test sampling unit or pharmacy, has been traced and released on the basis of the procedures of the Ministry of Health, or
– If one of the above is not applicable, and as a temporary solution until vaccination coverage is further advanced, citizens aged 12 years and older are given the option of presenting a negative test, PCR or rapid test certificate valid for 72 hours. For example, if the test was done on Sunday at 10am it will be valid until Tuesday at midnight.
- In which places is it necessary to present proof?
Presentation of proof is required at the following locations:
– Catering establishments (restaurants, cafeterias, bars, snack bars, etc.)
– places of religious worship
– Outdoor and indoor theatres, cinemas, cinemas and performing arts or showrooms
– Shopping centres and department stores
– Social events such as weddings, christenings and funerals
– Gymnasiums, dance schools and other sports schools, for those exercising indoors
– Nursing homes, retirement homes, senior citizens’ homes, shelters for the chronically ill and other closed facilities
– hotels and tourist accommodation
– Pre-election gatherings in theatres/auditoriums, catering establishments, homes
– Conferences, trade fairs
– Casinos
– Only for the Cup Final match on May 15 by fans attending the match in person.
- In which venues is the presentation of proof not required?
Presentation of proof is not required for the following venues:
– Hairdressing salons, beauty salons
– Gambling and betting establishments
– Bakeries, butchers, fishmongers, supermarkets, fruit and veg markets, mini-marts, kiosks, pharmacies
– Beaches
– Outdoor recreation areas, dams and zoos.
- In what form should the proof be provided?
Proof of a negative result of a coronavirus test (PCR or rapid test) shall be provided in the first instance in hard copy as given to the collaborating private clinical laboratories or mobile sampling units of the Ministry of Health in original form. If proof of vaccination, the Vaccination Card given at the Vaccination Centres shall be presented. In cases of persons who have had Covid-19 in the last six months, the written release message sent to the citizens is presented.
- Who is responsible for checking possession of proof?
The responsibility for verifying possession of proof lies only with the Officers of the Police or the relevant Ministries/Departments depending on the operations that fall within their areas of responsibility. Officers of businesses/establishments are not responsible for checking the evidence and citizens are not required to show the evidence in their possession to unauthorised persons.
- Social gatherings/events:
- Where are social gatherings allowed?
Gatherings are allowed in public places, such as parks, squares, dams, picnic areas, beaches, boardwalks, marinas, zoos, etc, provided they do not exceed 10 people per group, including minors.
No proof required.
- Are gatherings in homes allowed?
Gatherings in homes are allowed with a maximum of 10 persons, including minors.
- Are luncheons/dinners for weddings and baptisms permitted?
Until May 16, luncheons/dinners and any other events for weddings and baptisms are permitted with a maximum of 10 persons, including minors.
As of May 17, 2021, luncheons/dinners are allowed only in outdoor areas of organised catering establishments, event halls and hotels, provided that the attendees are seated and with a maximum number of attendees of 200 persons. Cocktails are prohibited.
From June 1, 2021, meals/dinners may also be held indoors in organised catering establishments, event halls and hotels, on the basis of the agreed timetable.
A prerequisite is the provision of proof as described in question 3.
- Are campaign rallies in view of the parliamentary elections allowed?
Campaign rallies are permitted provided that occupancy thresholds are adhered to and the attendees are seated. Cocktails are prohibited. For example:
– In an open theatre/auditorium up to 50 per cent occupancy;
– In an indoor theatre/amphitheatre up to 30 per cent occupancy;
– In clubs/restaurants in outdoor seating;
– In residences, a maximum 10 persons including permanent residents.
Proof as described in question 3 is a prerequisite.
- Churchgoing
- Are church services and other forms of religious worship permitted?
From May 10 to 16, congregations and other forms of religious worship in places of religious worship shall be performed with a maximum number of 50 persons.
From May 17, the presence of worshippers is permitted with a maximum physical presence of 30 per cent of the capacity of the place of religious worship.
From June 1, the presence of worshippers is permitted, with a maximum physical presence of 50 per cent of the capacity of the place of religious worship.
A prerequisite for the physical presence of worshippers in places of religious worship is the presentation of proof as described in question 3.
- Are religious ceremonies (weddings, baptisms, funerals) allowed?
Until May 16, religious ceremonies (baptisms, weddings, funerals) are allowed up to a maximum of 10 persons.
From May 17, the maximum number of persons at weddings, baptisms and funerals within places of religious worship is set at 30 per cent of the occupancy of the place.
A prerequisite is the presentation of proof as described in question 3.
- Reopening of businesses/premises:
- Are food service businesses allowed to operate?
The operation of all outdoor areas of the following categories of catering establishments is permitted as per the relevant protocol:
– Restaurants
– restaurants, taverns
– cafeterias
– cafeterias, cafeterias, cafeterias, cafeterias, beer bars
– snack bars and bars
– cafes
– catering facilities in shopping centres, canteens and/or sports clubs, cultural clubs, associations, clubs, etc.
As of June 1, the reopening of indoor catering establishments is also permitted as per the health protocols.
A prerequisite is the provision of proof as described in question 3.
- Is the operation of shopping centres and retail department stores permitted?
The operation of shopping centres and retail outlets is permitted.
At the same time, the operation of other retail trade, including department stores, and large stores is permitted, subject to a ratio of 1 person per 10 squared metres of usable space.
A prerequisite is the provision of proof as described in question 3.
- Are hairdressing salons and beauty salons reopening?
Yes, hairdressing salons and beauty salons are allowed to operate on the basis of the health protocols.
No proof is required.
- Are gyms, dance schools and other sports schools allowed to operate?
Yes, these premises are reopened as per the rules in force until April 25.
A prerequisite is the provision of proof as outlined in question 3 for indoor workouts.
- How do gambling and betting businesses operate?
The operation of gambling and betting businesses is permitted subject to the guidelines of the Department of Health and the National Betting Authority and subject to the conditions that the measure of 1 person per 10 square metres, with no indoor seating, is adhered to. Outdoor seating is permitted.
No proof is required.
- How will casinos resume operation?
Until May 16, the operation of casinos is suspended.
From May 17, casinos are allowed to operate at 30 per cent of their capacity and as per the health protocols.
From June 1, the occupancy rate is increased to 50 per cent of capacity.
A prerequisite is the presentation of proof as described in question 3.
- Is access to swimming pools for sporting purposes permitted?
Yes, access to swimming pools for sporting purposes is permitted as per the health protocols and the guidelines of the Cyprus Sports Organisation.
- Is access to the beaches allowed?
Yes, access is allowed as per the protocol that was implemented in the summer of 2020.
No proof is required.
- Are playgrounds, amusement parks and theme parks allowed?
The suspension of the operation of playgrounds, amusement parks and theme parks remains in effect until May 16, 2021.
From May 17, 2021, the operation of playgrounds, amusement parks and theme parks is permitted on a protocol basis and only in outdoor areas, but no social events.
A prerequisite is the provision of proof as described in question 3.
- Are conferences and trade shows allowed?
Until May 16, conferences and trade fairs are not allowed.
From May 17, 2021, the above are permitted, provided that the 30 per cent occupancy measure for the indoor conference venue is met, with a ban on cocktails.
From June 1, 2021, the occupancy rate shall be 50 per cent of capacity.
A prerequisite is the provision of proof as described in question 3.
- Are campgrounds allowed to operate?
No, operation of campgrounds is not permitted.
- Is it permitted for permanent residents of the Republic to stay in hotels and tourist accommodation?
As of May 10, it is permitted for permanent residents of the Republic to stay in hotels and tourist accommodation, provided that they provide the proof as described in question 3.
Ε. Culture:
- Which branches of culture?
Until May 16, the operation of outdoor and indoor theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas, and performing arts and theatrical halls is permitted up to a maximum of 50 persons.
From May 17 2021, the operation of closed theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas, and performing arts and theatres with an occupancy rate of up to 30 per cent is permitted. In open-air venues, operation is permitted with an occupancy rate of up to 50 per cent of the capacity.
From June 1, the occupancy rate for both indoor and outdoor areas is set at 50 per cent of capacity, subject to health protocols.
A prerequisite is the presentation of proof as described in question 3.
- Education/Sports and social activities for children:
- How will the reopening be implemented with the physical presence of the students in schools?
All school grades will resume on May 10 with the physical presence of students. Both the staff of all school units and the students of secondary schools, high schools and technical schools are subjected to a mandatory weekly rapid test. Pupils in the second cycle of primary schools are subject to an optional weekly rapid test.
Students in secondary schools, high schools and technical schools and school staff at all levels will have to undergo a test before returning on May 10 and provide a negative test result valid for 72 hours.
- How do group tutoring, sports and social activities work for children aged 18 years and under?
All group tutorials, sports and social activities for children under 18 are allowed as per the protocol in force until April 25, i.e. with a maximum of seven persons , including the instructor (6+1).
For extracurricular indoors activities, a 72-hour test applies, while in open spaces the obligation remains as it is, i.e. compulsory testing on a weekly basis.
