Filenews 16 July 2021
Answers to frequently asked questions about Cabinet decisions, given by the Ministry of Health.
specifically:
1. What about camps?
Organized group camps, regardless of the age of the participants, suspend their operation immediately as soon as the current hosting of persons ends, and no later than 23 July 2021.
2. Does this mean that the operation of the campgrounds is suspended?
No, the campgrounds continue to operate on the basis of the health protocol.
3. How will dining areas/ premises, nightclubs, banquet halls, record shops and other entertainment venues operate?
The service of the regulars is done exclusively in table seats and the regulars must be seated. The maximum number of persons per table is set at 10 persons. It is understood that the health protocol and guidelines are applicable.
In any case, dancing is not allowed, regardless of the type of music offered. Excludes from the ban on dancing premises/businesses hosting only fully vaccinated persons or persons who have a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the last six months. The owner/manager of the premises/enterprise must inform and obtain approval from the Ministry of Health that in his premises he will only accept fully vaccinated persons or persons who have a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the last six months. The update shall be sent to the E-healthservices@mphs.moh.gov.cy.
4. What is the maximum number of people who can be in dining areas, nightclubs, banquet venues, record stores and other entertainment venues?
Interiors:
• 250 people with SafePass can be present, or
• 450 people, provided that all persons are fully vaccinated or have been sick with COVID-19 in the last 6 months and hold a certificate of recovery.
Exterior:
• 350 people with SafePass can be present, or
• 500 people, provided that all persons are fully vaccinated or have been sick with COVID-19 in the last 6 months and hold a certificate of recovery.
Businesses/premises which choose to accommodate only citizens who have been vaccinated or have been sick for the last 6 months should ensure that they indicate in a prominent place in their business/premises, as well as inform citizens of their decision.
The owner/manager of the premises/enterprise must inform the Ministry of Health in writing that only fully vaccinated persons or persons who have a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the last six months will be accepted in his premises. The update shall be sent to the E-healthservices@mphs.moh.gov.cy.
5. In which areas is SafePass required?
Until 31 July, in all indoor and outdoor areas as well as premises where, in compliance with the distancing measures in accordance with the relevant guidelines and health protocols, it is possible to gather more than 20 persons, including workers. The presentation of SafePass is required for persons aged 12 years and over. Areas where SafePass presentation is required include retail, beverage and food retailers, dining areas, nightclubs, etc.
Businesses/premises shall ensure that they indicate in a prominent area outside their business/premises the maximum number of customers allowed to be in the premises. In addition, it is necessary, as indicated in a prominent area outside their business/premises, whether or not safePass is required, taking into account both the number of employees and customers.
For example, SafePass is not required, in a bakery or mini-market, where, based on square meters, 15 customers are allowed to be on site at any time and there are also 5 employees. SafePass is required in a retail store if, based on square metres, 16 customers and 5 employees are allowed on site.
SafePass beaches, parks and linear parks, dams, squares, nature trails and excursion areas are excluded from the SafePass production requirement.
6. Do I have to provide SafePass in places such as Services/Departments of the public and wider public sector and Local Government, as well as private sector enterprises?
For any form of visit to Ministries/Services/Departments/Offices of the public, general public and private sector (including passenger boats) and local government, SafePass is required.
The responsibility for monitoring compliance with the measure lies with the respective Head of the Ministry/Service/Department/Office of the public and the general public and local government or an authorised Officer.
As far as the private sector is concerned, the responsibility for monitoring compliance with the measure lies with the owner/manager of the undertaking or their authorised Officer.
7. Is it mandatory to present SafePass in public passenger transport?
SafePass ownership is essential in public passenger transport (buses, taxis, etc.) by both employees and passengers. More details and guidelines will be announced by the relevant Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works.
8. Is SafePass required in care homes, social activities and summer schools?
Yes, having SafePass in care homes, social activities and summer schools is mandatory for all people aged 12 and over, including employees.
9. Who is complained about if a citizen refuses to present SafePass in the places where it is compulsory to present it?
A citizen who does not present SafePass in the premises where his possession is mandatory and, despite recommendations from the person in charge of the premises, refuses to leave the premises/business, the owner/manager of the premises has an obligation to inform the Police of the appropriate actions on its part.
10. Can I use the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) for SafePass purposes?
Yes, the European Digital Certificate may be used for SafePass purposes in places where the presentation of SafePass is mandatory. Citizens should present proof of identification (ID, passport, ACR) for the purpose of verifying the data.
11. What will apply to nursing homes?
Visits to nursing homes are only allowed for people who own SafePass. SafePass owners/managers of nursing homes are responsible for controlling safepass.
In addition, it is not recommended to leave the tenants for overnight stays outside the nursing home. However, in case of exit for overnight stay outside the nursing home, the tenant must present a negative result from a rapid test with a validity of 24 hours on his return.
