Paphos People

The government on Friday imposed a fresh lockdown for two weeks between April 26 and May 9 in a bid to stem the rapid spread of Covid infections, which are threatening to overrun the island’s health system.

The lockdown will be lifted on May 10 but visiting crowded venues will require negative Covid tests or being vaccinated or having gone through the illness inside the past three months. Venues include catering, places where people gather, gyms, retail outlets, theatres. It was not immediately clear if it included supermarkets as well.

“We cannot remain indifferent to the rising number of infections together with the intense pressure on the health system because of the large number of hospitalisations,” Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said.

The minister said the situation required “difficult decisions and drastic measures” In a bid to stem the spread of the virus in the community and reduce the number of hospitalisations.

The new measures include a 9pm to 5am curfew with the exception of people travelling to work or health related movement.

Gatherings are also banned, irrespective of venue and only one outing per day will be permitted via text message. No text will be required for those going to a vaccination centre.

The operation of hospitality venues, including those in shopping centres, is suspended with the exception of delivery and take away. Only delivery services are permitted after 9pm.

Shops, apart from those selling food and drink or other essential items will also close.

Easter Sunday is exempted from the restrictions, the minister said. Apart from the permanent residents, people from two other families can be at a home, provided their number does not exceed 10 persons, including minors.

Places of religious worship will operate without the presence of worshippers. Weddings, christenings, and funerals can have a maximum number of 10 people.

On Easter Saturday (May 1) worshippers will be allowed in church courtyards provided they are seated and observe physical distancing and other health protocols.

Fifty people will be allowed inside based on protocols. No worshippers can attend church services during the other days of the Holy Week.

The curfew will be extended until 1am on May 1 to accommodate churchgoers.

The order mandates work from home for at least 20 per cent of workers in public services, apart from those deemed essential.

Private businesses can have 20 per cent of their staff present, with three being the minimum and 25 the maximum.

The number of staff requiring testing is raised to 50 per cent. Businesses where up to five people would be present must test all of them.

Outdoor and indoor cinemas, theatres, and other halls will close.

Gyms, dance, and other schools will also close. Personal training outdoors will be allowed provided there are only two people.

Betting shops, barbers, hairdressers, and beauticians will also close.

All group private tuition is banned, as well as sports and social activities involving children under 18.

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Dave
Moira And Dave

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