Press Releases

The Council of Ministers, in the context of the strategy for the gradual lifting of restrictions measures, today decided the further easing of specific restrictions, taking into account the very good epidemiological picture prevailing in Cyprus, in the framework also of the suggestions by the Advisory Scientific Committee to the President of the Republic and the Minister of Health.

More specifically, speaking after the meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Health, Konstantinos Ioannou, announced that the following have been decided:

     - Swimming pools are reopening for the public on 5 June.

     - As of 9 June when the 3^rd phase gets under way that will last until 24 June instead of 14 July, malls will reopen along with the airports and ports, indoor catering services, indoor hotels, open-air theatres and open-air cinemas,               sports championships without spectators, kindergartens and nurseries, children’s clubs, outdoor children’s playgrounds, all-day and summer schools with refectories.

     - The casinos, dancing schools, and schools for other sports, gyms and thematic parks will re-open on 13 June.

Due to the frequently asked questions about the 4^th phase, Mr. Ioannou went on to clarify that “no definite decision has been made, save for the fact that enclosed-type theatres and cinemas  will wait until the beginning of August, while weddings, christenings, festivals, concerts, and University graduations are scheduled for September 1^st for those who want to make plans.”

 He also made clear that “in regard to the limitation of 10 persons for gatherings, this will be terminated on 24 June – because information has reached us about certain people who are planning get-togethers”.

 Group A of vulnerable groups is abolished as of 13 June, leaving only Group B, with the situation due for review in the coming period of time.  Responding to a question, Mr. Ioannou said that for the time being nothing has changed in the categorisation of countries in relation to flights.

At the same time, in reply to a question about the reopening of checkpoints, he explained that this issue was not discussed at today’s meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Moreover, the Minister repeated that protocols will be in place for all enterprises and the sectors in which they are active; the protocols are being prepared and will be published in the coming days for the information of those concerned.

Asked about the casinos, the Minister of Health said that the premises were indoors, like other premises, and added: “What we must simply understand is that we have to maintain two metres distancing for self – protection and if we do this there is no need to worry. This is why we are proceeding gradually in order to be able to follow things and be prepared in case there is an important resurgence of outbreaks. You understand this is a scenario we do not wish to have.”

( DC )