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Frequently asked questions about what is changing in Cyprus as from 29th May 2021 in the context of the strategy to restart the economy and social activities.

Α. Movement

A1. Which are the movement measures?

As from 29th May to 9th June 2021, the movement ban is valid from 01:00 to 05:00. As from June 10th 2021 the movement ban is terminated.

B. Safe Pass

B 1. A prerequisite for going to specific sites is the presentation of one of the following evidences:  

a.      Vaccination certificate at least with one dose and after 3 weeks have passed

Or b. – Proof that a person has been sick with COVID-19 disease in the last 6 months

Or – If one of the above does not apply, and as a temporary solution until vaccination coverage goes further, citizens aged 12 years and over are given the option to present a negative test certificate, PCR or rapid test, valid for 72 hours.

B 2. Where is SafePass presentation necessary?

Persons aged 12 years and over must have SafePass and present in case of inspection by authorized officers, in the following premises/businesses:

– Indoor dining areas (restaurants, cafes, bars, snack bars, etc.)

– Places of religious worship

– Closed theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas and performing arts or theatres

– Shopping centres and department stores

– Social events such as weddings, baptisms and funerals

– Gyms, dance schools and schools of other sports, in accordance with the guidelines of the Cyprus Sports Organisation

– Nursing homes, nursing centres for the elderly, shelters for chronic sufferers and other closed structures

– Hotels and tourist accommodation

– Conferences, trade fairs

– Casinos.

B 3. In which areas is SafePass not required?

SafePass is not mandatory for going to the following areas:

– Outdoor dining areas

– Hairdressers, beauty salons

– Banks

– Departments/Services of public service of the private, public and wider public sector

– Gambling and betting companies

– Popular markets, supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, fish shops, fruit shops, mini-markets, kiosks, pharmacies

– Beaches

– Outdoor excursions, dams and zoos.

B 4. Which certificates are accepted as SafePass?

SafePass for a negative result from a crown test (PCR or rapid test) is presented in paper form, as given by the sampling point or workshop, or in the form of a text message sent to the persons’ mobile phone. In the case of SafePass Vaccination, the Vaccination Card given to vaccination centres is presented. In cases of people who have been ill with COVID-19 in the last 6 months, the recovery text message sent to citizens is presented.

B 5. Who is responsible for SafePass possession control?

Only the Officers of the Police or the competent Ministries/Departments who carry out checks according to the companies falling within their areas of competence are responsible for the SafePass possession control. Business/premises managers are not responsible for the control of SafePass and citizens are not required to present SafePass in their possession to unauthorized persons.

 

C. Social gatherings / events:

C 1. In which places are gatherings allowed?

Gatherings are allowed in public places, such as parks, squares, dams, excursion areas, beaches, pedestrian streets, marinas, zoos, etc. 

C 2. Are gatherings allowed at homes?

Gatherings in houses are allowed with a maximum of 20 persons, including minors and permanent residents.

C 3. Under which conditions are meals/dinners of social events allowed in dining areas, event halls and hotels/tourist accommodation?

From 1st June to 9th June, meals/dinners may be held for social events in restaurants or hotel units or in other event rooms, in accordance with the health protocol for social events, as follows: 150 people indoors for lunch or dinner, or 280 people outdoors for lunch or dinner (Reception/cocktail party with 250 people is allowed at any time only outdoors. From 10th June to 30th June, meals/dinners may be held for social events in catering establishments or hotel units or in other event rooms, in violation of the health protocol for social events, as follows: 250 people indoors for lunch or dinner or 350 people outdoors for lunch or dinner. Reception/cocktail party with 250 people is allowed at any time only outdoors. A prerequisite for those attending the event is the presentation of SafePass as described in section B.

C 4. Is church and other forms of religious worship allowed?

As from 1st June, a maximum physical presence is allowed at 50% of the capacity of the place of religious worship. The maximum physical presence of persons at 50% of capacity also applies to the performing of religious ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms and funerals. A prerequisite for the physical presence is the presentation of SafePass as described in section B.

D. Reopening of businesses/sites:

D 1. When are catering businesses allowed to operate?

From 1 June, the indoor and outdoor areas of the following categories of restaurants are allowed to operate, on the basis of the relevant protocol:

– restaurants

– taverns

– cafes

– pubs

– snack bars and bars

– cafes

– dining areas within shopping centres, canteens and/or sports groups, cultural groups, clubs, clubs, etc. A prerequisite for indoor use is the presentation of SafePass as described in Section B.

 

D 2. Are nightclubs allowed to operate?

Nightclubs are to reopen on 10th June according to health protocol. A prerequisite for indoor use is the presentation of SafePass as described in section B.

 

D 3. Is it permissible to operate playgrounds, amusement parks and theme parks?

From 1st June, children’s playgrounds may be operated indoors and outdoors, in violation of the protocol applicable to dining areas, without holding events (e.g. children’s birthday parties, etc.). From 16th June and on the basis of a health protocol, children’s parties are allowed in playgrounds, amusement parks and theme parks. A prerequisite for indoor use is the presentation of SafePass as described in section B.

D 4. Are conferences and trade fairs allowed?

From 1st June, conferences and trade fairs may be held, provided that the measure of 50% of the completeness of the internal venue of the conference/exhibition is respected. A reception/cocktail is held on the basis of the protocol for holding social events. SafePass as described in section B is a prerequisite.

D 5. Are campgrounds allowed?

The reopening of the campgrounds and other similar configured spaces is allowed from 16th June. From 16th June, summer schools and children’s camps are also allowed. A prerequisite for the above sites is the presentation of SafePass as described in section B by all persons 12 years of age and older.

D 6. How do private companies and the public and wider public sector work?

Until 9th June, private undertakings and public and wider public sector departments/services, with the exception of essential services, shall work in the physical presence of staff not exceeding 50% of employees. From 10th June, the limit on the physical presence of workers is lifted.

D 7. What about sport and sports?

With regard to the operation of sports facilities, including swimming pools, and sports activities, the guidelines issued by the Cyprus Sports Organisation apply.

D 8. How will cultural premises (theatres, amphitheatres and other performing arts venues) work?

From 1st June, occupancy in both indoor and outdoor cultural spaces (theatres, amphitheatres and other performing arts venues) is set at 50% of capacity and in compliance with health protocols. A prerequisite for indoor use is the presentation of SafePass as described in section B.

 

(Source: PIO, dates 28 May 2021)