Coronavirus: Curfew ends Thursday, some more restrictions lifted

By Mary Spyrou

As of tomorrow, June 10, curfew will be lifted, and the 50 per cent capacity limit will no longer apply to workers in the wider public sector and to private companies, the health ministry announced on Wednesday.

A rapid test is not required from workers if three weeks have passed since their first dose of vaccination. If a company employs 50 people and 28 of them have been vaccinated, the obligation for weekly testing concerns the other 22 people (11 + 11), the ministry said.

Nightclubs, reception halls, recreational centres, and performing arts centres will also reopen. However, in nightclubs, people will be served only at their tables with a maximum of eight people per table. Customers cannot be served at the bar and a SafePass is still required in indoor areas.

As of Thursday, until June 30, wedding dinners, weddings and christenings may be held in restaurants, hotels or other event halls with a capacity of 250 people indoors or 350 people outdoors. Receptions and cocktail parties will also be allowed but only outside with a capacity of 250 people at any time.

In the case of home receptions or wedding dinners proof of marriage or baptism (e.g. invitation) and the available square footage of the house needs to be provided in order to determine the maximum number of attendees according to the relevant protocol.

This should be sent to the [email protected] for approval. A prerequisite for the attendees is to present a SafePass.

Additionally, from Thursday, fetes and folk festivals will be allowed in churchyards according to public market protocols. Swimming pools will be open to all in accordance with ministry guidelines.

On June 16 camp sites or other similarly designed areas, summer schools and children’s camps will reopen.

Since June 1, 20 people are allowed in a household, including permanent residents and minors. There is a 50 per cent capacity for indoor venues including religious places of worship, casinos, conference and commercial premises, exhibitions, theatres, amphitheatres and other performing arts venues.

Also, the indoor spaces of restaurant and catering establishments have reopened, in accordance with the health protocol.