Cyprus has been included in a Department of Transport list of 59 countries that have been deemed low-risk with regard to coronavirus.

Apart from Cyprus, the list includes popular holiday destinations for Britons such as Greece, Spain, Turkey, Italy and France.

Arrivals from countries such as Portugal, the USA, Russia, China and the Latin American countries will still have to self-isolate for two weeks.

Immediately after the publication of the list with the Covid-safe countries, the Foreign Office amended its blanket travel advice against all non-essential travel abroad which was valid since 17 March.

The new travel advice for Cyprus, as well as for the rest of the countries on the list, states: “From 4 July, Cyprus is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.”

Source: CNA

The post Cyprus included in English list of safe countries appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..

Category A Countries are Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Category B Countries are Israel, Poland and Romania.

Source: CNA

The post Deputy Minister of Tourism: Public health top priority, regarding safe countries list appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..

The Minister pointed out that the quality of the waters is linked with tourism. He said that the quality is important for the health of the swimmers  and the environment but at the same time is associated wit the economy and the tourist industry.

He pointed out that Cyprus’ excellent results did not come by chance as since its admission to the EU in 2004, Cyprus has been complying with strict criteria on bathing waters.

Kadis also said that between May-October 2019 a total of 112 bathing areas have been under inspection on a monthly basis and tests were carried out before the swimming period.

He praised the actions of the Environment Department which is responsible for the application of EU directives as well as the actions for the Health Services of the Health Ministry, the State Laboratory and the local authorities.

Source: CNA

The post EU announcement: Cyprus has excellent bathing water quality appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..

Speaking to Sky News Mr Perdios said that the decision to exclude the UK as a source country of origin of flights permitted to Cyprus is purely one based on epidemiological and scientific data.

“I do expect that to change in the next few weeks, because our evaluation method is ongoing and takes place once a week. As the epidemiological situation of the UK and other countries abroad improves, there is every chance they will be able to be included in Category B or Category A that are allowed to fly to the island… I do feel it is a matter of weeks,” said the minister.

He also noted that the policy of the Cypriot government is to cover the costs of any visitor that displays symptoms of the coronavirus while in the island and subsequently tests positive, which means he and his family or close contacts should be isolated.

“As people will want to book their holidays we feel one of the key questions they are going to be asking themselves is ‘what happens if while I’m on holiday I show symptoms and then I test positive for the virus; who is going to cover that expense, who is going to take care of me?’. We wanted to create this package so people don’t fell afraid by that. We wanted to say that we will be there to take care of them and that they don’t need to worry about who is going to cover the cost,” Mr Perdios explained.

He added that this policy also means that a hotel will not be quarantined if a visitor falls ill with the virus, but that they and their contacts will be moved from the hotel.

Asked about his view on the 14-day quarantine for international arrivals that will be in place from Monday in the UK, Mr Perdios commented: “I certainly hope this is something that will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks. That, in combination with our own continuous re-evaluation of countries with regard to the categorisation, when these two thing work together I’m very confident that from some point in July and onwards people who live in the UK will be able to holiday as usual in Cyprus.”

Source: CNA

The post Cyprus Tourism Minister: Arrivals from UK likely “in next few weeks” appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..

In statements at Larnaka airport Karousos said that the effort to restore the country’s connectivity starts with the best possible way since it has been agreed that one the largest airlines of Europe Wizz Air will establish a base at Larnaka airport.

To begin with, two airplanes will be used, followed by more with the airline planning to offer another 11 flights to 11 airports and 7 countries.

Wizz Air announced today its 28th base in Larnaca.

The airline will base 2 Airbus A320 aircraft at Larnaca airport in July 2020. Along with the establishment of the new base, Wizz Air announced eleven new services to seven countries from Larnaca starting from July 2020.

As part of its expansion, the airline continues to increase its operations in Cyprus by 60%.

“The base establishment in Larnaca will create over 100 new direct jobs with the airline and even more jobs in associated industries,” a Wizz Air press release says.

“The 2 Airbus A320 aircraft will support the operations of eleven new routes to Athens, Thessaloniki, Billund, Copenhagen, Dortmund, Memmingen, Karlsruhe/Baden Baden, Salzburg, Suceava, Turku, Wroclaw totalling in one million seats on sale from Larnaca in 2020,” it adds.

József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air Group said that “after ten years of successful operations to Larnaka International Airport, I am delighted to announce our newest base here, as we see the potential and the demand for low cost travel in Cyprus which is one of the most popular and rapidly developing tourist destinations.”

“The benefits for Cyprus will be significant, both for tourism and the economy, since jobs will be created,” Karousos said in his statements, adding that it is also important that the company’s intention is not to compete with other airlines but rather to create additional passenger traffic.

All government departments are coordinating and are in contact with large airlines, he noted, adding that “prospects are quite good.”

Replying to a question he also informed that the effort is for Cyprus to have flights to and from new destinations.

Asked about the easing of restrictive measures the Transport Minister said that measures will be gradually lifted from June 9 and June 20 for a specific number of countries, adding that no negative test certificate will be required by those passengers

According to estimates the government has made on the basis of data at its disposal until today, he said, “in August we will have about 600,000 passengers in Cyprus.”

Replying to a question as to private jets landing in Cyprus during the lockdown period, he said that all flights which landed had acquired the necessary permit and the protocols followed were the same for everyone. “The virus does not distinguish between private or commercial flights,” he pointed out.

On his part, Tourism Deputy Minister, Savvas Perdios ,said Wizz Air’s decision was a “great success for Cyprus, particularly under current conditions.”

He reiterated that it is known which airlines will manage to survive and how many flights they will be able to make across the world.

He further noted that if one exempts flights to Athens and Salonica which are very important for Cypriots travelling abroad, it is not by chance that all the other flights by Wizz Air are of a tourist nature and will be originating from countries we had always wanted to be connected with.

“They are very important countries for Cyprus in the context of our own national tourism strategy,” he added.

Asked whether a letter sent by Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Transport and himself to various countries, airlines and tour operators in an effort to attract tourism to Cyprus he replied that the letter was sent a couple of days ago and several teleconferences are set to take place next weeks.

He expressed optimism that word is going around abroad and by international media about Cyprus and what it has achieved and how it will tackle any difficult situations that may occur.

The fact that Cyprus has decided to treat people who contract the disease during their stay on the island and to offer their family a place to stay is something only a few countries are able to do, he explained.

“This has been greatly appreciated by our partners abroad and will be one of our strong points this summer,” he said.

Source: CNA

The post Transport Minister: About 600,000 visitors expected in Cyprus in August appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..

 Transport protocols
————————————-
Prior to boarding, travelers will need to show their valid PCR test certificate if applicable and “COVID-19 Traveler Declaration”. Travelers’ temperature may possibly be taken prior to boarding. Wearing of masks may be made compulsory during the flight.

At the Cyprus airports entrance or passage will only be allowed to travelers and staff. Travelers will have their temperature taken at border control. A physical COVID-19 Information Desk will be made available for travelers requesting information upon arrival.


Destination protocols
—————————————-

Enhanced safety and health protocols have been devised for all hospitality estabishments and there will be extensive staff training in them.

 Physical distancing measures will also be followed in all parts of the island so that people who do not belong to the same travel group maintain a reasonable a distance of 2 meters outdoors and 3 meters indoors. Where physical distance is not possible, such as on public transport or airports, wearing a mask for staff and visitors will be compulsory.

 Frequent aeriation will be taking place in all indoor areas, so that air conditioning can be enhanced with regular input of fresh air. Antibacterial gel will be made available in all establishments.

Buses, rental vehicles, taxis, museums e.t.c.
———————————————————————————

There will be frequent aeriation and disinfection of buses, as well as disinfection of rental cars after their return.

There will also be disinfection of all touch points after every route for taxi and diving/safari jeeps.

In archaeological sites, museums, theme parks, mini cruises, diving sites and water sports there will be disinfection of all touch points after every route.

Swimming pools, beaches and water parks
———————————————-

After each use, the sunbeds, umbrellas and safe boxes will be disinfected.

There will be a distance of 4 meters between umbrellas and 2 meters between the sunbeds for people who do not belong to the same group.

Physical distancing does not apply to lifeguards who are called into urgent life-saving.

 Accommodation establishments
————————————–
All staff will use masks and carry out proper hand hygiene. There will be dispersion of guests at group check-in and rooms will not be allocated to new arrivals, unless enough time has passed for appropriate cleaning, disinfection and aeriation.

There will be disinfection of room keys/cards after every departure.

Where food or drink is displayed on self-service stations, appropriate sneeze guards and hand disinfection stations will be installed. Alternative, items could be served directly by the staff or guest may be encouraged to use face mask.

 Restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and nightclubs

——————————————————————-

Use of a mask and proper hand hygiene by all staff will be required, however the use of a mask will not be compulsory for staff serving outdoors during the daytime due to the intense heat.

Service times will be extended and advance booking will be enabled to facilitate physical distancing.

The maximum party size is set at 10 persons. The minimum distance between the tables of people who do not belong to the same group will be two meters. The menus will be disinfected after each use unless they are disposable.

Customers will be encouraged to pay by card and not by cash. All touch points will be disinfected after each use. Table linen and towels will be preferably disposable.

 An information sheet will be made available at the entrance, displaying the maximum number of guests allowed in place at any given time.

Testing for COVID-19

———————————–

A random number of travelers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival in Cyprus, regardless of country of origin. The cost will be borne by the Cyprus Government.

If a traveler test positive during his stay in Cyprus, he/she will receive free medical care from the Republic of Cyprus and will only have to bear the cost of returning to his home country.

A hospital for COVID-19 with 100 beds will be available exclusively for travelers who test positive, and these can be increased at very short notice if required. If travelers show critical symptoms an additional 112 intensive care units are available for their treatment.

Additionally, 500 rooms in dedicated quarantine hotels will be made available for close contacts of persons who test positive. This means that if an accommodation establishment be found to host a person who has tested positive, it will not be ordered into a 14-day quarantine.

All relevant information should also be made available on the website www.visitcyprus.com/cyprus-covid19-travel-protocol.

Source: CNA

The post Cyprus sends COVID-19 destination protocol to tourism partners abroad appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..

The Ministry of Health decided that those who arrived in Cyprus within the previous government decree and were asked to leave on Monday, were given the option to either complete their 14-day stay at the hotel or remain in isolation at home.

The decision was taken by the Ministry of Health after a recommendation of the Transport Ministry and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, following a request by a number of people to protect themselves and their families.

Those who arrive from Monday and until 8^th June, will undergo a COVID-19 test and will be transferred to hotels until the result is ready. If the result is positive, they will either be transferred for isolation at the Eden resort Wellness, Rehabilitation Centre or remain at home isolation and will be monitored by their personal physician. If the result is negative, they will remain in self-isolation, according to the provisions of the decrees and health protocols.

Those who are close contacts of confirmed cases will remain in quarantine at hotels for two more days and will undergo a second COVID-19 test to ascertain whether they became ill from contact with a confirmed case during repatriation. If the second test is negative, they will return home to complete the 14-day self-isolation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Petros Karayiannis, a Professor of Microbiology/Molecular Virology at the University of Nicosia Medical School and member of the Ministry of Health Scientific Advisory Committee urged repatriates from now on to take seriously the situation and remain in self-isolation.

He said the situation remains stable while the seven confirmed cases announced on Sunday from repatriates were “imported” and not locally infected. He also said schools are now in a routine.

Karayiannis said that we must allow 15 days to see the results of the second relaxation of the lockdown measures.
Regarding repatriates, he said they will undergo tests, especially those who returned from the UK.

However, he said they need to appreciate the seriousness of the situation and follow measures and self-isolate responsibly.
When the airports re-open on 9 June, Karayiannis said that there will be at least three hotels for quarantine, if tourists become ill.
He expressed the view hotels are ready to open and are prepared, according to the decrees. There are enough outdoor areas and he did not believe there will be crowding.

Regarding the opening of churches, he said everything went smoothly with the priests completely aware of what to do and there was order inside the churches.

What concerns the Scientific Advisory Committee, he said, is the overcrowding at cafeterias and restaurants where self-protection measures and especially distances are not adhered to.

We are worried because if there is a case and transmission, it will be hard to know from where someone became infected as tracing will become harder.

As far as beaches are concerned, he said due to the weather conditions, it was not possible to see if people were maintaining distances or if the beds were properly cleaned. Karayiannis said beds need to be properly disinfected. “Even if they spray we have to ensure that when the wind blows, it doesn`t take away the spray or dries it quickly and doesn`t have time to act. It is something that the municipalities should need to handle well “, he added.

Source: CNA

The post New instructions for repatriates issued by Health Ministry appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..

“The citizens’ safety is the first concern that guides our actions. Τhe reception of tourists in our country will be realized in a balanced way, based on the epidemiological data, the hygiene protocols and the developments as regards the rapid testing”, Theoharis says.

“We are closely monitoring events, we are recording all the available data, and we intend to proceed, in consultation with other countries, to the reception of tourists in a way that ensures the health of our citizens and visitors”, he stressed. 

In this context, the Greek Minister of Tourism explained that the prospect of concluding bilateral agreements with countries that managed successfully the containment of pandemic – such as Cyprus and Israel – is an option examined by the Greek government.

 “We are considering various scenarios, and we are making projections in order to proceed to the rebooting of tourism in the best way we can. The creation of the so-called “safety zone” between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, is a prospect that is on the table. However, there is still a significant number of variables to be clarified”, he explained.

“All issues are open, but we are positive towards this prospect and we consider that we will manage to find common ground, in alignment with the hygiene protocols and standards, and to reach a reciprocal agreement”, Theoharis said. As he explained, the issue of the bilateral agreements will be made more concrete in the coming period.

The Greek Minister of Tourism said that Greece was the first country that raised the issue of tourism in the agenda of European discussions. “The recent developments with the European Commission’s proposals are very important, as they create the framework for a coordinated exit from the crisis, while preserving the positive results that Greece succeeded as regards the containment of covid-19”, Theoharis said.

As regards the opening of a shipping line between Greece and Cyprus, Theoharis explained that it represents a project positively considered by the Greek government, the implementation of which will be examined in its details, after the settlement of the issues linked with Covid-19.

Source: CNA

The post Greek Tourism Minister: Bilateral agreements with countries with similar epidemiological profiles considered appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..

On Friday, government announcements are expected regarding the reopening of airports and hotels in Cyprus, framing thus the time schedule for all stakeholders to prepare, Karayiannis said. He noted, moreover, that airports are expected to open “sometime within June.”

He also pointed to a meeting that took place on Wednesday, between the Scientific Advisory Committee and the President of Cyprus, where Deputy Minister for Tourism, Savvas Perdios, announced that he drafted a list with 20 countries which could send tourists to Cyprus. The list includes traditional markets, as well as new ones, Karayiannis said.

“The Epidemiological Surveillance Unit will carry out an evaluation of the epidemiological situation in these countries. In case some countries are on the same epidemiological level with us, or are better off, we will accept tourists without obliging them to bring a certificate saying that they have done the test for coronavirus and without being quarantined. Respectively, the same conditions will apply for Cypriots visiting these countries” he added.

Karayiannis also pointed to public announcements concerning an initial understanding between the governments of Cyprus, Greece and Israel to promote tourism between their countries, saying that this could extend to other countries such as Malta, Austria and the Baltics.

Asked about countries in Europe’s South, that were particularly hit during the pandemic, Karayiannis said that they might present a much better epidemiological situation as early as July, and that there is a possibility to allow the flow of tourists from and to these countries.

“The rate of new cases as well as of deaths is already declining in Italy and Spain. Therefore, very soon they will reach the same levels with Germany, when the country decided to open up businesses” Karayiannis concluded.

Source: CNA

The post Epidemiological Unit evaluates list of 20 countries which could be allowed to send in tourists appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..

Source: CNA

The post EU Tourism Ministers discuss measures to support tourism sector hit by COVID-19 crisis appeared first on LoveCyprus | We Love Cyprus and you will Love it too..