Coronavirus: Free rapid tests for all ends

As of Sunday free rapid Covid tests for all will no longer be available.

Government testing units will still operate but will only offer free tests to certain groups, while everyone else will have to pay for a test at a private lab or pharmacy.

A ceiling of €10 has been set for the cost of a test.

Also changing as of Sunday is the need for a SafePass in places where there will be 10 people more. This limit was previously 20.

Anyone aged 12 or over will need a SafePass to enter an Okypy or private hospital.

To enter a nursing home or other closed facility all visitors will need to be vaccinated, recovering from Covid in the last six months or have a negative PCR test not more than 72 hours old.

Visitors to the island will have to undergo a rapid or PCR test on the seventh day of their stay on the island unless they are fully vaccinated or have had Covid within the past six months.

Also anyone attending or working at a church fete needs to have a SafePass.

The most far reaching change as of Sunday is for the rapid tests. Government testing sites – already reduced in number – will only offer free tests to certain groups.

Children up to 12 can still have a free test as can those up to the age of 17 if they do not have the permission of both parents to have a coronavirus jab.

Free tests are also available to those over 18 who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons if they have certification from a doctor and has been approved by an ad hoc committee of the Cyprus Medical Association.

Pregnant women can also have a free test and need proof of pregnancy from their doctor. As of August 8 they must get permission for a free test from the Medical Association and the ministry of health.

Those who have had the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine but three weeks have not passed are also able to have a free test but must present their vaccination card.

Those who are fully vaccinated but need a rapid test for other purposes are also allowed to get one without charge as are those who have had Covid in the last six months.

As of Monday children aged between 12 and 15 will be able to have vaccine appointments booked for them to have either a Pfizer or Moderna jab.

To have the vaccine children need the written permission of both parents.