After an increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Cyprus, authorities reintroduced a nationwide night-time curfew from 11pm until 5am.
Bars, restaurants, shopping malls and cafes are now required to close by 10:30pm.
The only exceptions to the curfew- anyone who's on the job (they must fill out an employee movement certificate) and for emergency medical reasons.
The health minister also announced a ban on all children's sports and social activities, and the closure of indoor and outdoor playgrounds as well as gyms.
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades urged “fatigued” Cypriots to comply with the new measures. “The daily increase of cases can take uncontrollable dimensions, threatening the health system, jobs, the well-being of everyone,” he said in a televised address.
Health authorities blame the spike on Cypriots flouting hygiene rules, including on mask-wearing and social distancing.
The night-time curfew will be in place until the end of the month.
Latest covid-19 numbers in Cyprus
Cyprus recorded 233 new cases of COVID-19 in the latest 24-hour reporting period.
This raises the total number of cases to 5,333.
The country’s pandemic death toll stands at 27.
