At the same time, in a press release the Ministry of Health has announced that the limit of 10 people for gatherings is lifted as of June 24, while the number of people gathering together indoors and outdoors is increased. In particular, indoors gatherings will be able to accommodate 75 people and outdoors 150 people. This was initially planned to take effect as of July 7, but was epidemiological data and projections have allowed for the easing to take place earlier, the press release says.

It is further clarified that it is not allowed to have a mass gathering of people both indoors and outdoors.

Such events, the press release says, include among others, weddings, christenings, concerts, festivals and private gatherings in households. The maximum number of people includes the people permanently residing in the household, the decree adds.

The decree provides that as of 0600 hours local time on June 24, 2020 the operation of indoor playgrounds is allowed.

It further says that mass events, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and concerts in public or private areas as well as outdoors fairs and festivals are prohibited.

The decree adds that the presence of people and gatherings in households and public spaces is allowed, provided that the Ministry of Health’s health and safety guidelines are followed.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades announced on April 29 the gradual lifting of measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic. May 4 saw restrictions lifted in construction, retail businesses, outdoors markets and bazaars as well as the return of public and wider public sector employees, many of whom had been working from home. The Supreme Court also decided the resumption of operations in courts. May 11 saw the return of final year high school subtends on a rotation basis. Other schools were set to open from May 21 onward.

Restrictions in place on the free movement of people also gradually lifted from May 4.  From May 21st, all restrictions of citizens movement were lifted.  People have been able to visit parks, playgrounds, open spaces, squares, marinas and so on, provided that no more than 10 people are gathered together. Restaurants also resume operations but only in outdoors spaces.  Hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons also resumed operations.

From June 1st onward people have been able to attend mass in churches, mosques or other religious places. The same measures are in place for weddings, christenings and funerals. People are also allowed access to organised beaches. Ports have also resumed full operation, with the exception of passengers getting off from cruise ships. Libraries, museums, archaeological and historic spaces resume operation. Bookmakers have also resumed operations.

Source: CNA

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According to a written statement by Government Spokesman Kyriakos Koushos, during the meeting, that took place at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance and the Minister of Health, President Anastasiades briefed the political party leaders about the current situation as regards the management of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the strategy drafted by the Government for the gradual lifting of the restrictive measures and for the restart of the economy.

The President of the Republic underlined that the strategy will be depended on the epidemiological data, the recommendations of the scientific committee, the systematic monitoring through random checks and the potential of taking and maintaining of safety measures, the Spokesman added.

He went on to say that the political party leaders submitted views and proposals. An exchange of views took place on the issues related to the lifting of the restrictive mesures and the restart of the economy.

The President expressed his thanks to the political parties for their cooperation in the framework of the Government`s efforts to address the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spokesman concluded.

Source: CNA

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The framework approved includes three stages covering a timeline until the end of 2021, Petrides said in statements to the Cyprus News Agency, urging everyone at the same time to respect the restrictive measures in place, particularly during the Easter holidays, so that the plan of restarting the economy can become realistic.

“Essentially, with the pandemic in progress and the economic crisis escalating significantly, quite a few EU countries are planning their strategy for a gradual lifting of restrictions,” he said, adding that the European Commission has also issued guidelines aiming for a gradual exit from a general lockdown, so that member states can coordinate to avoid a negative impact between them and in order for the single market to operate smoothly.

Petrides further underlined that “a healthy and functional economy is a prerequisite for a functional health system.”

The strategic plan contains three main stages, while the possibility of transitioning from one stage to the other is largely determined from the epidemiological data, he said.

The first stage has to do with the period of implementation of restrictive measures and the economy support scheme to deal with the COVID-19 repercussions, he noted, which has already been announced to a great extent.

The second stage has to do with the gradual opening of businesses which, if the epidemiological data allow for it, will gradually begin around the beginning of May in sectors of key importance for the economy in a coordinated manner which will not endanger the effort to contain the virus in Cyprus.

“Epidemiological data must be met for the gradual opening of businesses, for example the flattening of the curve of cases, the capacity of the health system and a systematic monitoring done by way of conducting a large number of tests,” the Finance Minister said.

According to Petrides another four criteria will have to be taken into account in determining the strategy in choosing the sectors for gradual lifting of restrictive measures.

In particular, the danger of COVID-19 infections, the danger of serious diseases due to COVID-19, the significance of the relevant economic sector and social life and the possibility of imposing and maintaining safety measures.

He further noted that the measures may change according to different geographic areas, groups of citizens, social life sectors and economic sector. The interdependence between businesses and the economic sectors as well as social interactions will also be taken into account.

The third stage has to do with restarting the economy and it covers the period between September 2020 and December 2021.

“The strategy must be flexible and adaptable depending with the epidemiological data, allowing for economic activity to take place without taking unnecessary risks in health matters,” Petrides stressed, adding that it will include supporting of viable businesses, measures in sectors affected the most, a growth of the digital technology sector and supporting those who will maintain more jobs, as well as stimulating demand.

Petrides also said that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a ministerial committee, which he will preside over with the participation of Ministers of Health, Energy, Trade and Industry, Transport, Communications and Works, Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance and the Deputy Ministers of Research and Digital Policy and Tourism.

A steering committee will also be established which will be headed by a Finance Ministry representative as well as representatives of the other ministries and officers of the Ministry of Health’s epidemiological monitoring unit.

The ministerial committee, with the support of the steering committee, will prepare and submit the strategy framework as well as the action plan to the Cabinet by the end of April, he said.

Source: CNA

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