Just four people with covid are being treated at the covid reference hospital, the health minister said on Wednesday, adding that the Famagusta centre is operating normally.

Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela said that he will visit the hospital on Thursday to view its progress for himself, praising the paediatric ward which has recently been completed.

The Famagusta hospital was swiftly designated as the reference unit for covid patients early in the pandemic, despite protests at the time by residents.

On Tuesday, the ministry announced that the requirement for SafePass to be mandated at entertainment centres, nightclubs and events such as weddings and christenings is to be postponed from May 15.

Moreover, two people per day will be allowed to visit patients in hospitals, both public and private. However, they will not be allowed to visit together and will still need to present a negative rapid test no older than 24 hours.