The Council of Ministers proceeded with brave relaxations of measures against the spread of the coronavirus
At the end of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Health, Michalis Hadjipantelas, mentioned that the relaxations in force since April 11th are the following:
a) from 11 April 2022, the abolition of the mandatory use of protective masks outdoors.
b) as of April 11, 2022, the abolition of safe pass in workplaces, in compliance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health. It is recommended to conduct a self-test in case of symptoms. Employees of nursing homes, closed facilities, hospitals, medical centres and health professionals are excluded.
(c) from 18 April 2022, the abolition of safe pass in retail trade and shopping centres (catering establishments within shopping centres are excluded).
d) from 11 April 2022, the automatic release of persons who are in their confinement as positive cases on the 7th day of self-isolation, without conducting a Rapid antigen test provided that they do not show active symptoms. Release earlier than the 7th day can be done by PCR test (with negative result) on the 5th day of the diagnosis at a cost borne by the person concerned. The measure will also apply in already existing cases on 11 April 2022. Special arrangements apply to closed structures, nursing homes and hospitals.
e) from 11 April 2022, the reduction of the period of self-isolation from 7 to 5 days, of persons who are close contacts of a confirmed positive case and under the protocol are placed in confinement, provided that they do not show active symptoms. Obligation to test rapid antigen (Rapid test) on the 3rd and 5th day of contact. The measure will also apply in already existing cases on 11 April 2022.
(f) from 11 April 2022, the reduction of the time period of the measure "test to stay" (where applicable) from 7 to 5 days. The measure will also apply in already existing cases on 11 April 2022. From the use of the measure "test to stay" are excluded students who are domestic contact of a positive incident.
g) from 11 April 2022, the extension of the validity of the measure "test to stay" (where applicable) in extracurricular afternoon activities for students.
h) as of April 11, 2022, the abolition of a Safe Pass demonstration in businesses that serve the public, as well as the Departments/Services of the state and wider state sector that serve the public, in archaeological sites, museums, historical sites, visual arts spaces and galleries, in construction sites and businesses of similar activity, in street markets, bazaars and popular festivals.
i) from 11 April 2022, the increase of occupancy in theatres, cinemas and entertainment halls to 100% of the capacity.
j) as of April 11, 2022, as teleworking is recommended at a rate of 25% in businesses and organizations, public and wider public sector, as well as in local government authorities.
(k) as of April 11, 2022, as visits to patients in public and private hospitals are allowed upon presentation of a 24-hour rapid antigen test (1 person per visit).
l) from May 2, 2022, as students upon their return to schools present a rapid antigen test valid for 48 hours and then demonstration of a Rapid test of 7 days validity.
(m) from April 11, 2022, as allowed to organize group camps upon presentation of a Safe Pass.
(n) from 15 April 2022, as the announcement of positive diagnoses, deaths and hospitalisations, shall be made on a weekly basis.
The Minister of Health noted that throughout the previous period the message of the Council of Ministers was clear: "We trust science and urge the citizens to faithfully follow in its footsteps". We continue to do the same, he stressed.
"The new measures aim to improve the quality of our daily lives, without compromising the gradual and complete lifting of restrictions.
However, it is imperative that we all show individual responsibility and responsible behaviour. To strictly follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health and the members of the Advisory Scientific Committee.
Today's announcement of easing the measures must not be misinterpreted and send out the wrong signal.
The coronavirus is still here! He is still scattered throughout the community. That is why 200 of our fellow citizens are being treated in the hospitals of the CySEC with COVID.
Experts insist that the coronavirus is not a simple cold.
The word "respect" is the key to the new era of fighting the pandemic. First of all, respect for ourselves. And then respect for fellow human beings, respect for the rules," he said.
