Coronavirus: SafePass rules eased, Flight Pass scrapped, more relaxations possible (updated)

The epidemiological picture of Cyprus is the best it has been for the last five months, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipandelas said on Monday as speculation grew that more Covid measures would be relaxed this week.

Meanwhile, the SafePass requirement to enter large retail shops and shopping centres has been abolished as of Monday (excluding restaurants within shopping centres), and according to the new Action Plan, the categorisation of countries which determined what measures travellers needed to take before entering Cyprus was also abolished as well as the obligation to complete and obtain the Cyprus Flight Pass.

In statements made to CyBC, Hadjipandelas said that, among other things, there is the possibility of lifting restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather in a home during Easter, as well as the protocols for children under the age of three.

However, he said lifting the use of masks indoors would be one of the last measures to be relaxed.

As it stands, pupils returning to school on May 2 after Easter break, must present a 48-hour rapid test and thereafter a once-weekly rapid test.

Further decisions are expected, following a meeting of the scientific advisory committee, upon evaluation of the epidemiological data of the previous two days. The cabinet will meet on Wednesday and approve any changes.

Items expected to be discussed include whether some professional activities will be re-designated from ‘high’ to ‘medium risk’, and whether those currently labelled as ‘medium’ will be re-designated as ‘low risk’.

It will also be discussed whether dining venues will all be placed into the same category, rather than separated into ‘high’ and ‘medium’ risk.

Finally, a timetable will be proposed for handling the situation during the next month.