Cyprus: Only with a rapid test of 24 hours the entrance to night clubs

The Council of Ministers in Cyprus decided on Wednesday night to tighten the control measures at the gates of the Republic of Cyprus, abolish the safe pass to those who have not completed their vaccination program and additional measures to limit the transmission to gathering places.

As announced by the Minister of Health, M. Hadjipandelas:

(a) With effect from 4 January until 15 January 2022, all passengers arriving in the Republic of Cyprus are required to have undergone a PCR laboratory examination 48 hours before departure. It is reminded that upon arrival all passengers, regardless of historical vaccination, undergo a PCR laboratory test and the cost will be borne by the passenger.

(b) from 3 January 2022, teleworking will be valid for 40% of the staff of each company or organization in the service sector. It is clarified that this percentage includes people who due to illness or declaration as close contact with a confirmed case are self-restricted and work from home and people who have used their rest leave. Clarifications will be given tomorrow on the essential services that will be excluded.

(c) from 30 December 2021, entry to nightclubs, music and dance centers, banquets, weddings, baptisms will be allowed only with the additional submission of a negative Rapid test 24 hours. It is reminded that entry is allowed only to vaccinated persons. Citizens who received the booster / 3rd dose of vaccine are excluded.

(d) from 30 December 2021, a maximum of 300 persons shall be set for restaurants, music and dance nightclubs, in compliance with sanitary protocols and the maximum number of persons per square meter in force. Citizens should be seated, while dancing is prohibited. It is clarified that the measure for weddings and baptisms will be implemented from January 3, 2022.

(e) from 30 December 2021, the presence of fans in the stadiums is set at 50% of the capacity of the stadiums, with the mandatory use of a face mask. In case it is found after an inspection that the protection measures are not observed, the competent authorities will be able to revoke its operating license.

(f) as of December 30, 2021, all visits to public and private hospitals and closed structures will be prohibited, unless approved by management after a negative 24-hour PCR laboratory test for emergencies only. For visits to outpatient clinics of patients and attendants, it is required to present a negative Rapid test lasting 24 hours. Excluded are those who have received a booster / 3rd dose of vaccine.

(g) from 30 December 2021, a change in COVID-19 case management and close contact protocols will apply to healthcare professionals who have not received any vaccine dose, or have received two doses for a dual vaccine or one dose for a single-dose vaccine and have the period of 7 months has passed and they did not receive the booster / 3rd dose. The confirmed close case contacts will be subjected to PCR on the 5th day and Rapid test on the 6th day with a negative result after their contact with the case to be released from the restriction. Positive coronavirus cases are entitled to undergo a Rapid test on the 6th and 7th day and if the result is negative to be released on the 8th day, provided that they do not show symptoms for a period of 48 hours (The decision concerns doctors, nurses and medical staff).

In addition the following are recommended:

– As citizens use a double surgical mask or high protection mask (eg type KN95 or type FFP2).

– Avoid using a fabric face mask. It is reminded that the use of a protective face mask in all areas, indoors and outdoors is mandatory.

Distance education and online examinations in higher education.

Source: AMPE