Paphos People

From the Cyprus Mail

The government on Friday extended strict measures applied in Limassol and Paphos across the island, with certain changes, starting on December 1 until December 13.

Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said an improvement in the epidemiological situation during that time would bring an ease of measures between December 14 and January 7 and certain exemptions during the holidays.

According to Ioannou, from December 1, there will be a curfew between 9pm and 5am barring certain exceptions.

Only up to 10 people will be allowed in private homes, including minors.

Places of worship will remain open with a maximum number of 75 people where applicable while weddings, christenings, funerals can only be held with a maximum number of 10.

Wedding and christening dinners and other receptions are banned apart from an event at a private home with a maximum number of 10 people including minors.

Visits to hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities are prohibited.

The operation of hospitality venues, including coffeeshops and clubs, is only allowed until 7pm apart from delivery and take away services.

Restaurants and cafes in hotels and other tourist venues can remain open until 10.30pm to serve their guests only.

Hospitality venues in airports will remain open.

Public transport will operate at 50 per cent of capacity while the operation of gyms is suspended.

Betting shops and casinos will remain closed.

Swimming pools will also remain shut apart those used by people with handicaps or treatments or training of up to four people including the trainer.

Gyms, pools, and spas in hotels can remain open to serve their customers.

Ports will operate only for cargo. Cruise ship passengers are banned from disembarking.

Training and sports events concerning individuals under 18 are suspended, as are those of other ages except those concerning the football championships and the national team.

Sports facilities will have to suspend operation unless they are outdoor and exclusively used by groups of four, including the trainer; they are used to host football championship and national team fixtures.

All team sporting events and social activity involving children under 18, including football, dance, theatre, swimming in pools, martial arts, and so on, are banned.

Gatherings in public places like parks and squares, reservoirs, picnic areas, beaches, marinas, etc, are banned. Protests are also banned.

As are mass events and gatherings in public or private venues apart from those organised in amphitheatres with restrictions – 50 per cent capacity, all seated.

The operation of courts will be allowed, in line with the supreme court guidelines.

In private and public businesses that serve the public only one person per 8 square metres and after making an appointment, were applicable.

Open air markets will operate at a 50 per cent capacity and 1.5 metres between people.

Children’s play areas, theme parks, and similar venues will remain shut, as will picnic areas.

The travel ban in force for Limassol and Paphos will end on November 30.

Schools are not affected, despite earlier reports that there were thoughts of closing schools for the holidays a week earlier.