On Tuesday, the Cypriot government will decide whether to ease covid-19 restrictions on churches, by allowing people to attend Christmas services.
Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades met on Monday evening and discussed a number of issues, including reopening churches.
According to sources, Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou will be consulting the Covid-19 team of advisors.
Cyprus brings in tighter coronavirus measures
- The operation of malls is suspended. Superstores, department stores and large
stores over 500 sq.m. (excluding food retail, i.e. supermarkets) will operate in
compliance with the measure of 1 person per 10 sq.m. and with a ceiling on the
number of customers. - The operation of catering establishments is suspended. This includes restaurants, taverns, cafés, pubs, and bars, with the exception of their delivery and take away services. It is understood that after 9 p.m. only home delivery is permitted.
- Night curfew (9pm-5am) will remain in force. 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.
- Church services and other forms of religious worship in religious sites shall be performed without the presence of congregants.
- Religious ceremonies (weddings, christenings, funerals) are permitted with a maximum of 10 persons attending.
- As of Monday, 14 December, lessons/courses in public and private Lyceums, Higher and Tertiary Education Institutions will be taught online. Kindergartens, Primary Schools and Gymnasiums continue to operate normally.
- Visiting patients at hospitals, clinics and medical centers is not permitted.
- A ban on public gatherings/events, protests, parades, festivals and concerts in public or private areas remains in place.
- The maximum occupancy in public transport is regulated by the Minister of Transport.
- Larnaca and Limassol ports will continue to operate for commercial transactions and activities only, while cruise ships may not disembark passengers.
- A ban on all children’s sports and social activities, and the closure of indoor and outdoor sport facilities.
Anastasiades will be one of the first to be vaccinated in Cyprus
President Nicos Anastasiades will be among the first to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine in Cyprus, Government Spokesman Kyriakos Kousios said in a written statement.
“The vaccination of the President of the Republic will take place immediately after the arrival of the vaccine in Cyprus, within the first stage of vaccination of citizens, as provided by the vaccination plan of the Ministry of Health,” said Kousios.
Pub in Nicosia construct a giant Christmas tree out of beer kegs
