Cyprus introduces 'Coronapass'

On Wednesday, the Cypriot government decided to reopen closed businesses and introduce the 'Coronapass'.

This replaces the 'SMS Movement Permit', however the night curfew remains in force.

According to the Ministry of Health, the 'coronapass' entails either:

• a 72-hour-old negative PCR/rapid test
• having received at least one dose of a vaccine three weeks earlier
• having contracted the virus in the past six months

The 'coronapass' will be necessary to visit restaurants, shopping malls, sports and cultural clubs, gyms, dance schools as well as theatres and cinemas.

It will also be required to attend places of worship, dinners and outdoor receptions such as weddings which will be allowed with a limit of 200 seated guests from May 17 onwards. From June 1, events will be permitted indoors with a 'coronapass'.

Beauticians and hairdressers can operate without a pass.

Moreover, beaches will reopen with the same health and safety protocols as last year and no need to present a 'coronapass'.

Gatherings in public areas like parks, squares, beaches are allowed, provided they do not exceed 10 people, including minors. They can be visited without a pass also.

The curfew will remain in force between 11pm- 5am with the following exceptions: travelling to and from work; visiting a medical centre or hospital or pharmacy or vet for an emergency; no need to send a text for permission before going out.

*More on GCT: Cyprus pledges support for India’s struggle against COVID-19