New covid-19 relaxations in place from Sunday

The new relaxations of the restrictive measures against Covid-19, decided by the Cabinet on April 20 and May 10 will come into force on Sunday, May 15.

The Health Ministry in a statement said that from Sunday, it will no longer be necessary to demonstrate a Safe Pass in public areas except for visits to nursing homes, closed areas, hospital outpatient clinics, medical and diagnostic centres. In such instances a 48-hour Rapid test or a 72-hour PCR will be required for people who do not hold a valid vaccination or disease certificate.

Visits to patients in public and private hospitals of a maximum of 2 people per day will be allowed, upon presentation of a rapid antigen test valid for 24 hours (1 person per visit). It is understood that in extremely urgent cases the number of people and visits may be increased, provided that approval is obtained from the hospital management.

Staff at hospitals, clinics, medical centres, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes and closed care and accommodation facilities for vulnerable groups will need to show a Safe Pass. Meanwhile for those who do not hold a valid vaccination or disease certificate, a Rapid test valid for 48 hours or a PCR valid for 72 hours is required.

Individuals who hold a valid vaccination or disease certificate, are recommended to perform self-testing once a week.

In addition, as of Sunday, it will no longer be necessary to self-confine people who are in close contact with a confirmed positive case and do not hold a valid vaccination or disease certificate.

The Health Ministry’s mobile units will carry out random checks only on weekends and will be accessible to all citizens regardless of their vaccination history.

In addition, from May 15, capacity in restaurants, nightclubs, music and nightclubs will be increased, this includes events such as weddings and christenings, places of religious worship, conferences, trade fairs, stadiums and casinos.

Specifically, for premises up to 500m sq. will be allowed 100 percent of the capacity and premises over 500m sq., 85 per cent capacity.

All school students will no longer need to show a Safe Pass, additionally teachers and students will no longer need a test-to-stay.