in-cyprus 24 April 2020 -Bouli Hadjioannou
Restrictive measures in Cyprus will be eased in four stages over two to three months, starting on May 4, the Cyprus News Agency said on Friday citing sources.
Each phase will last about two weeks at which point the coronavirus situation will be evaluated by the experts. If the number of new cases rises, then restrictive measures will be reintroduced.
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou told CNA yesterday that there are specific indicators that will be used to monitor the effect of relaxation of the measures.
At each stage, the public will need to maintain social distancing and hygiene.
A comprehensive plan will be presented to President Nicos Anastasiades and the ministerial committee by the scientific team on Tuesday and will then go to Cabinet the next day for decisions.
According to CNA’s sources:
Phase one: Relaxation of restrictions to movement for the public with more than one movement allowed a day. Opening of small work sites that are open air, shops and other small businesses such as clothing and footwear.
Phase two: Two weeks after (mid-May) and if the situation permits, hair dressing salons, barbershops, beauticians and gyms.
Phase three: Resumption of sport events without fans.
Phase four: Opening of malls, hotels, restaurants, cafes. There will be some kind of framework on the number of people at such premises at the same time.
No decision has yet been taken as regards the reopening of schools and churches, CNA said.
It added that airports and checkpoints are expected to reopen in three months with a special regime and if there are no cases, it added.
