The Cypriot government announced that everyone over the age of 12 must wear a face covering.
Following the recommendation issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus decided to adopt it.
“Therefore, following the revision of the directive, the use of a protective mask by the general population is mandatory starting at the age of 12 and above, in indoor areas where there is a large gathering of people,” the ministry statement said.
For children aged between 6 and 12, the ministry still recommends the use of a mask on a voluntary basis in indoor areas where there are lots of people.
The WHO admits little is known about how children transmit the virus but cites evidence that teenagers can infect others in the same way as adults.
The advice published on the WHO website covers three age groups: