Police stepped up their Covid checks at on Christmas Eve fining 24 individuals and five businesses for violations during 3,585 checks.

Between 6am Friday and 6am Saturday, seven people were fined for being on the streets, squares and in shops without a mask.

A cafe in Limassol was fined € 1,500 because there was no SafePass control for customers at the entrance.

A restaurant was also fined € 1,500 fine because the manager did not wear a mask, there were no signs at the entrance and there was no SafePass for customers.

In Paphos a bar was fined € 500 for not having checks at the entrance, for insufficient floor markings, incorrect SafePass customer control, and a nightclub was booked for allowing dancing other than at tables.

“It is the duty of all citizens to demonstrate the appropriate discipline and responsibility and to observe the measures of personal protection,” police said.