Filenews 2 July 2021
During today's session, the Council of Ministers studied the epidemiological data and the evolution of the Vaccination Plan and decisions were taken aimed, inter alia, at further promoting the vaccination programme.
According to the statements of the Minister of Health, Michalis Hatzipantella, the aim remains to protect public health and ensure the proper functioning of the economy and society. We mainly appeal to our young people, in the future of this place, and invite them to reflect on the extent of their responsibility. To protect themselves first and foremost. And then their family members, their parents, grandparents, the whole of our society in general.
Another aim of the Government, as the Minister pointed out, is to open the gate of our freedom while at the same time asking young people to take the first step and rush to get vaccinated, sending the message that in this fight, we are all united
In particular, the Council of Ministers decided today on a series of measures divided into five pillars, as follows:
Pillar 1: Incentives to encourage and speed up the vaccination programme:
- Grant of holiday allowance to vaccinated persons from 15 July to 31 August. All details will be announced by the Ministry of Tourism next Monday.
- Grant a five-day honorary leave to those national guardsmen who have been vaccinated or will be vaccinated by 31 August 2021. The honorary days will be given to the national guardsmen of the 2020 ESSO as well as to the soldiers of the 2021 ESSO.
- Public, public and private sector workers will be able to be absent from work on the entire day of their vaccination, without the day being deducted from the worker's leave to rest. In the case of vaccination with a two-dose vaccine, it is valid for both days. The same will apply in the case of a parent/legal guardian of a minor child provided that the parent/legal guardian will accompany his minor child for vaccination and provided that a copy of the child's Vaccination Card is presented for confirmation.
Pillar 2: Authorisation of the Minister of Health to continue consultation with public law organisations and private organisations and businesses, to provide incentives for vaccination, in particular to encourage young people aged 18-30. At the conclusion of the consultation, the Minister of Health will present these incentives at the next Cabinet meeting.
Pillar 3: Tightening of measures in places of increased confusion and increased risk of transmission of the virus, where and where conflicts of cases have been apparent:
- From 9 July, SafePass will be required indoors and outdoors, where there is an increased risk of transmission and more than 20 people are present (e.g. workplaces, bars, clubs, weddings, graduation and birthday parties, etc.). In case of SafePass, possession with a negative result from PCR or rapid test, this should be valid for 72 hours.
- From 9 July to 20 July, entry to football matches is only allowed for persons who have completed their vaccination regimen or have been vaccinated with the 1st dose of the vaccine and 3 weeks have passed, for persons holding a negative PCR certificate with a validity of 72 hours and for persons who have been infected with COVID-19 in the last 6 months at a rate of occupancy of 50% of the stadiums. 50% capacity with the same criteria applies to cinemas, theatres and concerts.
- From 21 July, entry to football matches is allowed only for people who have completed their vaccination regimen and for people who have been infected with COVID-19 in the last 6 months at a occupancy rate of 75% of the stadiums. 75% capacity with the same criteria applies to cinemas, theatres and concerts.
- From 1 August 2021, Cypriots and legally resident passengers in the Republic of Cyprus should follow the protocols applicable to all passengers, unless they have been vaccinated with the 1st dose of the vaccine. In particular, only persons vaccinated with the 1st dose of the vaccine will be entitled to carry out a molecular examination at airports in the Republic on arrival. That is, if they are not vaccinated at least with the 1st dose or do not have a recovery certificate and will travel with PCR tests from Countries of Orange and Red Class, they should provide a negative PCR result from their country of origin with a validity of 72 hours. The Decision excludes minors aged 12-15 years and persons aged 16 years and over with serious health problems who are not able to be vaccinated.
Pillar 4: Intensification of the information campaign to enlightenment of the public, focusing on young ages, on vaccinations.
Pillar 5: Tightening controls and supervision of the implementation of protocols and health guidelines .
In addition to the above, the Council of Ministers decided to abolish the provision of the free rapid antigen test programme from 1 August. The Decision excludes minors aged 12-15 years and persons aged 16 years and over with serious health problems who are not able to be vaccinated.
