We would like to update you that the inter-ministerial Committee which met ton the 23/03/2020 under the President, decided to authorize the Minister of Health to publish a Decree with the following measures:
- Ban on unnecessary movement from 06.00 PM of March 24, 2020 until April 13, 2020, except:
- Transfer to and from the workplace.
- Transfer for the purposes of supplies of basic necessities from businesses or shops whose operation is allowed and given that shipping is not possible.
- Visit to doctor or transit to a pharmacy.
- Visit to a bank if electronic transactions are not possible.
- Transit with the purpose to aid fellow citizens who cannot look after themselves or to groups of people who must be protected, or who are in self-isolation and/or in premises of compulsory isolation (quarantine).
- First and second degree relatives going to ceremonies, such as funerals, weddings and christenings, not exceeding ten people.
- Transit for physical exercise or for the needs of a pet, provided they are not more than two people and they remain limited in areas adjacent to their residence.
Under all circumstances, all persons moving about must carry identification and additional proof as to the purpose of their movement. Further details and the way of control will be announced later.
- Furthermore, as of 6 p.m. of the 24th of March 2020 until the 13th of April 2020, the following places will also be closed:
- Parks.
- Playgrounds.
- Open-air sport spaces.
- Public gathering areas, among others, squares, dams, excursion sites, beaches, marinas.
- All retailers shall suspend their operations, except from the businesses that will be included in a relevant Decree that will be issued within the day by the Minister of Health.
- Open markets, bazaars and itinerant sales are prohibited.
- Work on construction sites shall be terminated, except construction works relating to public utility projects and subject to the relevant permission from the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works.
- It is prohibited for citizens to attend places of religious worship, such as churches, mosques and other places for prayer.
- Prohibition of the custom of "lighting a bonfire" with immediate removal of timber or other materials already assembled for this purpose. The responsibility for implementing this ban lies with the local authorities in cooperation with the police.
In addition to any other criminal liability to offenders, an extrajudicial penalty of EUR 150 will be imposed.
In order to support the effort for the prevention and strengthening of the health system, the following have been decided:
- Molecular testing for the detection of coronavirus is extended in Clinical, Biomedical or University Laboratories. Details will be provided in an announcement by the Ministry of Health.
- It has been decided to utilize fourth or sixth year medical school graduates from Cyprus universities as well nursing school graduates, as part of their practical training.
- Towards a more effective prevention and treatment, the number of public health clinics in all cities will be increased.
Originally published 24 March 2020
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