Link to video clip or read text below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bdVpa-Cgjtp7GFjpsnNBdvd8vwad3Yl3/view
Today I am speaking to British residents
here in Cyprus. My message is focused to those of us living south of the Green
Line. The British High Commission is here for all Britons in Cyprus and we are
putting out lots of information, including through our frequently asked
questions page on Facebook.
At this difficult time, we all need to stay
safe and healthy. Above all, that means following government of Cyprus
regulations, stay indoors, practice social distancing, and avoid social
gatherings. If you do need to go out, make sure you comply with the rules.
There is information again on our FAQs page. If you are having trouble with the
text service, it could be because you are trying to do it from a UK mobile
phone. You need to get a Cyprus SIM card and a Cyprus mobile phone number, in
order to be able to access the 8998 service. You can get them from kiosks and
convenience stores.
If you think you might be suffering from
symptoms of coronavirus, for example a fever, a new persistent cough, do not go
to the doctor straight away; call the Ministry of Health hotline on 1420. You
can access that from a UK or Cyprus phone. They will tell you what you need to
do next.
I know that some Britons here are suffering
financial hardship because they cannot go to work or maybe they have even lost
their job. The government of Cyprus is putting in assistance measures. British
residents are entitled to access those. It might take a bit of time to find out
the necessary information but have a look at our FAQs page and you can call the
government hotline on 1433, again from any phone.
Finally, I know that many of you are
frustrated about the travel restrictions. But the bottom line is there is a
travel ban in place so it is difficult to leave or get back to the country. I
advise you to look at Foreign Office Travel Advice and our own social media
pages.
Thanks for listening, stay in touch and
stay safe!
