Filenews 27 April 2021
Exception for movements of divorced/separated parents and patients receiving treatments on a regular basis, announced the Ministry of Health. These categories may be moved without texting, provided that they can present evidence for control purposes.
In order to ensure unhindered access to the necessary treatments for patients with chronic conditions, such as thalassomics, blood purifiers, cancer patients and people receiving biological agents on a regular basis, it was decided that as only for the purpose of going to and from the medical centre, patients can move without sending a text message.
A prerequisite is the presentation of evidence (form or text message with the details of the appointment, confirmation by the attending physician, etc.) for screening purposes. Sending a text message also excludes people who may need to accompany patients for their treatment. It is understood that for any other movement for personal reasons, patients are required to send a text message to 8998.
In addition, and in order to ensure seamless communication between parents and their children, the sending of a text message excludes divorced parents or separated parents. Divorced parents/parents who are separated are excluded from the use of SMS only for travel purposes to and from the permanent residence of their minor children on the days and hours they are responsible for the care of their children. In cases where there is a Court Order, this should be presented to the authorities in the event of an inspection, while where there is no Court Order, Form B and a certificate must be presented by the spouse in the room.
Answers to frequently asked questions about measures to end the pandemic
(measures in force: 26 April-9 May 2021)
A. Movements:
1. What times does the travel ban apply?
The travel ban runs from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.
2. Why is travel allowed during curfew hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day)?
Persons may be moved during curfew hours for the following reasons:
• for work purposes to and from the workplace with the presentation of Form A, completed and signed by the employer and certifying the need to travel during the above hours.
• for the purposes of inibriable and urgent need, i.e. to go to a medical centre or hospital or pharmacy or veterinarian for medical emergencies and to go to provide emergency assistance to persons who are unable to self-serve or who need to self-protect themselves.
3. How many times per day will exceptional travel be allowed?
Exceptional travel will be allowed once a day by sending a text message to 8998 for the cases referred to in question 5. Persons over the age of 65 may use Form B for their exceptional movements.
It is clarified that for the purpose of going to and from work for work purposes no texting is required, but the employee must present Form A, signed by his employer.
Exceptionally and only for Easter Sunday (2 May), persons may be moved twice by sending a text message to 8998 in accordance with the categories described in question 5 and for a reasonable period of 3 hours at the time specified.
4. How many categories of exceptional travel are there by sending SMS?
There are eight (8) categories for exceptional travel by sending SMS. Category 8 includes sub-categories as shown below in question 5.
5. In which cases is exceptional travel permitted by sending sms?
Exception for moving by sending sms is allowed in the following cases:
- Category 1: Visit a doctor/medical centre or carry out a laboratory examination for COVID-19 (rapid test or PCR) or go to a pharmacy.
- Category 2: Purchase or supply of essential goods/services to and from businesses/services whose operation has not been suspended, including take-away and drive-through from dining areas (until 8:30 p.m.). It is understood that the purchase/supply of alcoholic beverages from dining areas is not permitted for either take-away or drive-through.
- Category 3: Switch to a bank, in so far as it is not possible to trade online
- Category 4: Absolutely necessary visits to government departments, services of the general public sector and local government, when work cannot be completed electronically. This category also includes the movement of citizens to and from the areas adjacent to their permanent residence Green Points operating in various Municipalities/Communities.
- Category 5: Assistance to relatives and/or fellow citizens who are unable to self-serve or fall within groups that must self-protect themselves or are in self-limitation and/or in places of mandatory restriction. Only on Easter day, 2 May, travel is allowed to go to a house, provided that there will be, in addition to permanent residences, persons whose total number (including permanent residences) does not exceed 10 persons, including minors.
- Category 6: Physical exercise, provided that it does not exceed two adult persons with the exception of minor children and is limited to the places where access is permitted. Persons may also be moved to a Province other than that in permanent residence (first residence) for the purpose of individual sport at sea, provided that they do not exceed two persons, with the exception of minor children accompanied by their parents. The transition is for a reasonable period of time and persons must return to their permanent residence on the same day at the latest by 9 p.m. Permanent residents in Provinces to which they have access to the sea may not go to another Province for physical sports purposes.
- Category 7: Go to a place of religious worship for the purposes of individual prayer or for ceremonies such as funerals, weddings, baptisms (maximum number of persons in ceremonies 10 persons).
- Category 8 (with the presentation of the necessary evidence applicable to each case):
- Specialized treatments for people with disabilities or people with chronic conditions, along with their companion.
- Move to and from the camp.
- Go to and from Larnaca and Paphos Airports for the transport of persons, with the presentation of proof (ticket) proving the day and time of arrival/departure.
- Transition of farmers and livestock farmers, provided that they present the emergency and head subsidy form from the COMP or, if this does not exist, a certificate from the Provincial Office of Agriculture.
- Movement of persons to animal shelters for animal care, provided that they provide a certificate certified by a recognised animal welfare organisation, as well as proof of notification of each movement to the Veterinary Services.
- Move to a cemetery.
- Move to another privately owned premises (e.g. holiday home, etc.) in the Province of Permanent Residence and/or in another Province other than permanent residence.
All persons who move for any of the above reasons must carry with them an ID card or passport, for identification purposes in case of verification by the Competent Authorities.
6. In which cases is exceptional movement allowed without sending SMS?
Moving without sending sms is allowed:
• trafficking of persons with disabilities and persons on the autism spectrum, together with their companion.
• for the needs of a pet or for physical exercise, provided that it is limited to the area adjacent to the residence (within 500 m of their residence) and provided that they do not exceed two persons, with the exception of minor children accompanied by their parents.
• for the transport of minor children to and from special education schools.
• for workers who continue to work with a physical presence in companies/sectors that have not been suspended, and wish to go on the route to/from their workplace to go to premises that remain in operation for the purchase of essentials or to Green Points operating in Municipalities/Communities for the disposal of items.
• for workers who continue to work in a physical presence and who wish to undergo a rapid test at the sampling points, during their transition or departure from their workplace or while at work.
• for the purpose of going to a Vaccination Centre for a scheduled appointment against COVID-19, provided that the confirmation message or the relevant form or Vaccination Card is presented for the purpose of confirming the movement at that time.
• for the purpose of moving to a Blood Donation Centre.
• for the purpose of going to places of religious worship during the Holy Week period (26 April – 2 May) only for the hours of the Holy Mass.
• for the purpose of moving divorced or separated parents, which is necessary for the uninterrupted communication and contact of parents and children. Persons should present the Court Order proving that they are responsible for the custody of their children on the specific days/hours of travel, while where there is no Court Order, Form B and a certificate must be presented by the separated spouse.
• for the purpose of transporting patients with chronic diseases, such as thalassemics, blood-purified, cancer patients and people taking biological agents on a regular basis, and their attendants to a medical centre to receive their treatment.
7. Is it permissible to move between the Provinces?
Yes, movement between the Provinces is permitted provided that the purpose for which the movement takes place falls within the points of the use of SMS which normally does not exceed three (3) hours, with specific reasonable exceptions, such as movement for hunting and fishing purposes, for the transport of soldiers and for travel to and from the airport, for funeral, for the care of elderly and non-self-serving persons in a province other than that of permanent residence or for agricultural and veterinary purposes.
8. How many people can board a private vehicle and how many passengers can carry the MMMs?
Private vehicles may be boarded by persons of the same family (household), including minor children of the family, depending on the capacity of the vehicle, without the use of a mask. In cases of movement by vehicle of persons from different households, up to three (3) persons, including the driver, may be on board the vehicle, with the necessary use of a mask. For travel for work purposes with a private vehicle with a capacity of more than five (5) persons (e.g. construction workers, transporters, etc.), up to four (4) persons may be on board, with the necessary use of a mask. For work purposes and if the private vehicle has a capacity of less than five (5) persons, up to three (3) persons may be on board, with the necessary use of a mask.
The maximum number of people in the mass transport (buses, taxis, etc.) is determined by announcement of the Ministry of Transport.
B. Social gatherings:
9. Are social gatherings allowed in homes?
Social gatherings in dwellings are prohibited, except for permanent residents in them. It is understood that it is forbidden to have a meal/dinner in houses for weddings and christenings.
Exceptionally and only for Easter Sunday (2 May), in addition to permanent residences, the presence in the homes of persons is permitted provided that the total number of persons in the house does not exceed 10 persons, including minors.
At the same time, the presence in houses is permitted for the purpose of:
• custody of minors and persons with disabilities for the period/duration when the physical presence of parents/guardians is necessary in their workplace (e.g. nurseries, childmeders, guardian, caregivers, etc.).
• helping persons who are unable to self-serve (medication, care of persons, food supply, etc.). It is understood that such persons should take all personal protective measures and remain only for a reasonable period of time required to care for the individual, so as not to put him or her at risk.
• work by professionals such as electricians, plumbers, domestic workers, gardeners, painters, etc., as well as health professionals (physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, community nurses, etc.), only for the reasonable period of time required to carry out their work.
10. Are gatherings allowed in public and private gathering spaces?
Access and social gatherings are prohibited in public and private gathering places, namely squares, parks, dams, excursion areas, marinas, beaches, pedestrian streets, etc.
Access is only allowed to parks, linear parks and beaches solely for physical exercise purposes.
C. Sports:
11. Is it permissible to hold sports team and individual championships and matches?
The matches of the professional leagues A', B' and C' Category, as well as the holding of competitions/championships of individual sports, without the presence of spectators, are allowed. It is understood that the use of locker rooms is only permitted on the day of the match.
The remaining championships/matches are held in accordance with the guidelines of the Cyprus Sports Organisation.
12. Do indoor and open sports areas and swimming pools remain in operation?
Closed and open sports areas and swimming pools operate on the basis of CMO guidelines.
13. Are training sessions in sports facilities allowed for team and/or individual sports?
Training in sports facilities is only allowed for athletes of professional leagues A', B' and C' Category and National Teams, as well as athletes of individual professional sports, for the purpose of preparing to participate in competitions/championships. It is understood that the use of locker rooms is prohibited.
It is understood that training in closed and open outdoor sports facilities of high performance athletes, who are included in the list of the Cyprus Sports Organization or who claim qualification for the Olympic Games, is carried out on the basis of the guidelines of the CMO.
14. In what cases is physical exercise/training allowed?
Physical exercise/training is permitted only in public outdoor areas where access to the basis of the Decree is permitted. Specifically in parks, linear parks and beaches and provided that the participants do not exceed two (2) persons and the physical exercise/training takes place within a reasonable period of time.
Indicative
• karate athlete training is allowed on the beach or in a park only with his coach.
• it is permissible to exercise a person on a beach, park with or without equipment (e.g. TRX, step, fit ball, weights, etc.), as long as they do not exceed two people, including the trainer.
• swimming in the sea is allowed only during the hours allowed to move, provided that it does not exceed two people.
D. Church:
15. Is the operation of sacred temples/religious places of worship permitted?
The Holy Mass in the holy temples/religious places of worship is held without the presence of believers. It is clarified that believers may come to religious places of worship for individual prayer (simultaneous physical presence of up to 10 persons per religious site), in order to ensure compliance with the health protocols (distances, masks, maximum number of persons).
It is clarified that the presence of believers is also prohibited in the courtyard of the houses/religious places of worship.
Exceptionally and only for the functions of the Great Week (26 April 2021-2 May), the presence of believers inside the schools is permitted, provided that they provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19, showing that they have been vaccinated at least with one dose at least three (3) weeks before and in compliance with the distancing measures. For the above period, the presence of persons is also permitted in the courtyards of the courtyards, provided that the persons present are seated and in compliance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
16. Is religious ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms and funerals allowed?
Religious ceremonies (weddings, baptisms and funerals) are performed with a maximum of 10 people, including the man. It is understood that 10 people do not include priests and other church staff.
In funeral cases, the maximum number of 10 people concerns both the religious ceremony and the burial.
In the case of individual prayer, the measures should be observed and not exceed 10 persons within the religious place of worship.
E. Business/Services:
17. How will private service undertakings operate?
Private service undertakings (e.g. law firms, accounting firms, insurance companies, service undertakings, etc.), with the exception of the essential services specified in the Decree, work remotely. The physical presence of employees not exceeding 20% of the total number of staff with a minimum presence of three (3) persons and a maximum of 25 persons shall be permitted within the professional premises.
It is understood that if an enterprise operates in more than one building, the physical presence of employees not exceeding 20% of each premises is permitted, with a minimum presence of three (3) persons and a maximum of 25 persons.
For undertakings located in the same building, the physical presence of workers not exceeding 20% of each legal person (i.e. each undertaking) is permitted, with a minimum presence of three (3) persons and a maximum of 25 persons and provided that the health protocols are complied with.
The rest of the staff work through teleworking at home. It is understood that the number is rounded up.
For example,
- in an undertaking with 10 persons, up to 3 persons may work physically if the employer so wishes.
- in an undertaking with 50 employees, up to 10 persons may work in a physical presence.
- in an undertaking with 200 employees, the maximum number of persons who may work simultaneously in a physical presence may not exceed 25 persons.
18. Do the offices of industries, construction and similar companies fall under the above regulation?
Yes, the offices of industries, construction and similar companies fall under the above regulation. For example, the accounting department of a construction company allows the physical presence of employees who do not exceed 20% of the total number of staff with a minimum presence of three (3) persons and a maximum of 25 persons. For example, an architectural office allows the physical presence of employees who do not exceed 20% of the total number of staff with a minimum presence of three (3) persons and a maximum of 25 persons. It is understood that workers, such as architects and civil engineers, can carry out external work, such as inspections of construction sites or buildings under construction, etc.
19. Do shops of similar companies in the construction sector remain open for customer service?
No, it is not allowed to operate for customer service in the shops of similar companies in the construction sector, such as shops selling sanitary ware, etc. It is understood that these shops serve construction professionals (e.g. plumbers, electricians, builders, etc.).
20. Is retail businesses allowed to operate?
The operation of retail businesses for the service of a public with a physical presence in the premises is prohibited. It is understood that such undertakings may sell products by e-commerce (online) and execute telephone orders by home shipment/delivery.
Specific categories of retail businesses (e.g. petrol stations, medical equipment and medical supplies businesses, cleaners, nurseries and florists, etc.) will be able to serve in a physical presence. A detailed list of companies will be included in the Decree.
21. Which undertakings/sites/branches suspend their operations?
The following undertakings shall be suspended:
• Barbershops and hairdressers,
• Institutes of Aesthetics,
• Tattoo centres,
• Theatres, cinemas, theatres, outdoor and open amphitheatres,
• Dining areas *,
• Entertainment centres,
• Shopping malls, department stores**,
• Playgrounds,
• Theme parks, amusement parks, kart tracks, paintball tracks,
• Archaeological sites, museums, historical sites,
• Zoos and natural habitats,
• Betting and gambling agencies;
• Casino,
• Amateur driver schools, car driving schools, professional car driving schools (Schools/Professional Capacity Certification Centres), Transporter Vocational Training Schools and Dangerous Goods Vehicle Driver Vocational Training Schools;
• Car dealerships ***,
• Gyms, dance schools, other relevant schools.
* It is understood that dining areas can only offer home delivery services at the hours set by the companies themselves and take-away and drive-through until 9 p.m. Take-away and drive-through is prohibited for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
** It is understood that retail stores within shopping centres may sell products by e-commerce by home shipping/delivery.
It is understood that in the case of car dealerships, only service workshops are allowed to operate. At the same time, car garages and other related undertakings, as well as road transport vehicle technical control (MOT) services, remain in operation.
22. Which undertakings do not suspend their operations?
Undertakings which remain in operation, in compliance with the relevant health directives and protocols, are defined in the relevant list to be issued by the Ministry of Labour.
23. What applies to the operation of construction sites and other related undertakings?
Construction sites and other undertakings with related activities shall continue to operate in compliance with the health protocols. A related list of companies that remain in operation will be issued by the Ministry of Labour.
24. What about the operation of beverage and food retail businesses and the popular markets?
The operation of beverage and food retail businesses, such as supermarkets, mini-markets, fruit shops, bakeries, butchers, fish shops, grocery stores, is permitted.
It is clarified that the sale of retail items (e.g. clothes, shoes, cosmetics, electrical appliances, linen, toys, etc.) to the above-listed beverage and food retailers is prohibited.
Pharmacies, supermarkets, mini-markets, fruit shops, butchers, fish shops and grocery stores, from the start of their operation until 9 a.m., serve only people over 65 years of age and people with disabilities.
The popular markets operate at a capacity of 50% of their capacity. Please note that food is permitted (e.g. mobile sandwich canteens, ice cream, vegetables, fruit, etc.), provided that they hold a valid license from the relevant Municipal or Community Council and provided that the service is done only by take-away, drive-through or delivery and not in table seats. It is prohibited to operate popular markets selling clothing, linen and/or other products, as well as to sell them.
Businesses operating in the supply chain remain in operation.
25. Do hotels and other tourist accommodation remain open?
Hotels/tourist accommodations operate solely for the accommodation of persons who do not have their permanent residence in Cyprus and fall under the provisions of the Decree. Reservations are not allowed for persons residing permanently in the Republic of Cyprus.
It is understood that the dining areas within the hotels and tourist accommodations remain open:
• only for the service of the persons accommodated in their premises;
• six (6) persons per table,
• subject to the measure of one person per 3 sq.m. indoors and one person per 2 sq.m. outdoors.
26. How will the public and wider public sector work?
The public and wider public sectors work remotely and with a physical presence of staff at work not exceeding 20% of the number of employees. The staff released shall remain at home in order to work by teleworking method. Services defined as essential services and other services as defined in the Ordinance are excluded from the above regulation.
27. Is it permissible to hold conferences, exhibitions, assemblies, press conferences, examinations?
Conferences, assemblies, exhibitions and journalistic conferences are suspended. It is understood that they may be used electronically.
Examinations and/or meetings of State Authorities and/or meetings of Authorities and/or Services and/or Institutions and/or Bodies may be held in places for which approval is given by the Ministry of Health.
F. Hospitals/Medical and Diagnostic Centres/Nursing Homes/Rehabilitation Centres/Other Closed Structures:
28. How will hospitals work? Will visits to a doctor be allowed? Will surgeries be performed?
Hospitals in both the public and private sectors continue to operate under a framework that determines the maximum percentage of their fullness in 70% of beds, including ICU beds, in accordance with the instructions issued by the Ministry of Health.
Patient visits to doctors and/or medical and diagnostic centres are permitted without the presence of an escort. It is understood that in cases of minors, escort is allowed by one of the two parents/guardians, while in cases where the patient cannot self-serve and move on his own, he is allowed to be accompanied by an additional person.
The surgeries will be carried out in accordance with the framework and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
29. Will dentistry continue to operate?
Dentistry remains in operation to deal only with emergencies/emergencies and only by arranging an appointment. It is understood that the patient is accompanied by only one person if it is a minor or a person who cannot self-serve.
30. Do health professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, home care nurses, etc., continue to work?
Yes, health professionals, in particular physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, home care nurses, continue to provide services, provided that they apply health protocols.
31. What about nursing homes and other structures?
Visits to residents of nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, other institutions for the accommodation of the elderly and other closed structures are permitted, in consultation with the residents of the premises and for a reasonable period of time.
G. Education:
32. What about nurseries, nurseries, kindergartens and pre-primary and special education?
Nurseries and nurseries, nurseries, kindergartens and pre-primary schools in the private or public sector suspend their operations. Special education schools operate according to the instructions issued by the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance.
33. What about the operation of care homes, private training centres and how will private afternoon classes be taught?
Carers and private training centres remain closed and training is done online through e-learning/distance education. It is understood that teaching with a physical presence of up to two persons including the instructor (1+1) is permitted.
The measure for conducting online courses applies indicatively in cases such as: music lessons (music instruments, vocals, choir, coke), painting, art, gymnastics, dance, theatre, foreign languages, supporting teaching of school lessons (mathematics, chemistry, physics, history, etc.).
Source: eyenews
