For the time being the Tala News can only be issued by email via Mail Chimp - this will be on a weekly basis on a Saturday morning. Efforts are being made to try and find an alternative solution. Some items may be duplicated as there is no control over the number of postings in the Mail Chimp email - so apologies if you find the same item twice. The 'duplication' is done to ensure that the more important postings are received by you in the Saturday Mail Chimp email.
Postings continue on www.talanews.blogspot.com, and local news items can be found on Facebook - Tala Community Newsletter.
1 POST OFFICE DELIVERY DELAYS - Cyprus has warned that there is likely to be delay to post received from the UK due to proposed strikes over the period 26 August to 9 September.
2 WATER
The demand for drinking water has increased exceptionally in recent days, according to an announcement by the Water Development Department.
The Department warns that the mass movement of population from large urban centres to coastal and mountainous tourist areas, especially during the three days of August, may cause serious problems in the water supply in some areas.
Therefore, the Water Development Department appeals to consumers to use water sparingly and to avoid its reckless use.
"The Water Development Department is making every effort to meet the increased demand," the statement concludes.
3 SIX WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY
Six ways to save energy in households are given by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.
Specifically, the Energy Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, due to the high energy prices as a result of the ongoing energy crisis and the need to strengthen efforts to save energy, recommends taking simple measures for the rational use of energy at home. Their combination can lead to energy savings of 10-15%.
The proposed measures concern:
1. Heating and Air Conditioning
- Air-condition only the spaces you use and plan the operation of the heating or air conditioner depending on the use of the space.
- Make sure that the filters of the air conditioner are cleaned frequently, and the direction of the air is downwards for heating the room.
- Bleed and clean the radiator fins with a special brush.
- Avoid the use of ordinary electric radiators and air heaters.
- Make proper use of windows and shades. On hot summer days, close the windows, curtains and window covers and in the evening open them to create a stream of air that will cool the space. On cool summer days you open the windows instead of the air conditioner and on sunny winter days you open the curtains and window covers to warm the space
- Set the thermostat correctly. Try in winter 19-20 °C and in summer 25-26 °C or higher.
- Customize your attire according to the weather even when you're inside the building.
- Always keep doors and windows closed and do not ventilate the space when operating or heating or the air conditioner.
- Do not place heat sources near the thermostat.
- Use ceiling fans instead of the air conditioner.
- Turn off the air conditioning about half an hour before leaving the room.
- Set the air conditioner to the "auto" position and give preference to the maximum fan speed (set the fan of the air conditioner to low speeds only when there is high humidity).
- Check for any holes and cracks in doors and frames (insulate with a special self-adhesive airtight tape).
- Do not cover radiators with covers or put furniture in front of them.
- If there is a fireplace, close its chimney when it is not lit.
2. Lighting
- Do not use more light than you need. Put smaller lamps in rooms and corridors and in the common auxiliary spaces.
- Turn off the lights in the areas you do not use and when you will be away from the space for a long time.
- Avoid reckless use of artificial lighting (do not leave the lights on unnecessarily).
- Make sure that the fixtures are regularly dusted.
- Make sure that windows are cleaned regularly.
- Make the most of natural daylight. Avoid artificial lighting if it is not necessary.
- Make sure that you always use energy-efficient economical lamps and that their size is commensurate with your needs.
- Rearrange the furniture of the site taking into account the windows. Place worktops and desks near the windows.
- Use light colours on the walls.
- Do not use lampshades with dark and thick fabrics.
- Prefer low general lighting and additional local lighting in the places where you need it.
3. Kitchens
- Preheat the oven only when necessary and for a short time.
- Avoid opening the oven door when it is in operation.
- Check the good fit of the door to the oven chamber.
- Use the automatic cleaning of the oven after use and while the oven is still hot.
- In kitchens, use utensils that have a flat base and fit the size of the hob. Use a pressure cooker where possible.
- Be sure to close the kitchen extractors when you do not need them.
- When boiling water, cover the pot with its lid. Do not boil more water than you really need.
- Turn off the oven and electric hobs just before the food is cooked to take advantage of the remaining heat.
4. Refrigerators and freezers
- Avoid placing a refrigerator near radiators, built-in areas or exposing it to sunlight. Place your refrigerator away from the electric stove.
- Avoid placing hot items in the refrigerator and freezer compartment.
- Check the seal around the door and make sure that the door closes hermetically.
- Check the defrosting if it is not automatic, so as not to collect ice over 0.5 cm.
- Do not open and close the refrigerator door unnecessarily and do not keep it open for too long.
- When absent for long periods of time, switch the power off, empty it and leave its door[s] open.
5. Washing machines and dryers
- Prefer natural drying of clothes.
- Use the washing machine and dryer when they are full without overloading them.
- Set the washing schedule of the washing machine or dishwasher to lower temperatures. Choose the economical washing cycle. Prewash should be used only for very dirty clothes. Take advantage of detergents that act effectively at lower temperatures.
- Clothes dryers are the most energy-intensive devices. If you really need to use it, place the device in a heated room and use it for continuous purposes, taking advantage of the accumulation of temperature. Also clean the air filter after each use.
6. General tips
- Be sure to always choose the number and size of electrical appliances according to your needs.
- Make sure that maintenance schedules are adhered to and that maintenance is done by properly trained people. Make sure that any damage to the heating and air conditioning systems is immediately corrected.
- Make sure that the energy-saving interventions that have already been implemented in the building are working normally.
- Make sure that the main ventilation installation and fans in the toilets stop working when the rooms are not in use.
- Do not choose the elevator to climb 1-2 floors.
- Do not leave any electrical appliance on when you do not need it (close from the outlet because in standby they still consume power).
- Make sure that those around you do not waste energy. Inform them and constantly set a good example.
As reported by the Ministry of Health, due to the satisfactory number of citizens to perform a rapid test through the program of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry ends sampling in shopping centres and supermarkets.
The sampling points will remain in operation in the hospitals, for the purpose of serving the public.
5 ROAD WORKS AROUND GENERAL HOSPITAL/ANAVARGOS
As part of the project of redevelopment of the traditional core of the Anavargos District, from today until August 20, works are being carried out for the reconstruction and improvement of Vasilika Street from its junction with Ahepans Street to its junction with Anavargos Avenue in the centre of the district.
The work will be carried out in sections and in chronological order as follows:
First section: From the junction with Ahepans Street to the junction with Pontou Street
Second section: From the junction with Pontou Street to the junction with Kaisareias Street
Third section from the junction with Kaisareias Street to the junction with Anavargos Avenue.
An announcement by the Municipality of Paphos clarifies that the entry and circulation of vehicles will be allowed only for residents, while the complete exclusion will be applied where needed. It is also noted that appropriate measures will be taken for the safe access of pedestrians and affected residents and visitors to the residences and businesses throughout the execution of the works.
The Municipality of Paphos invites the drivers to follow the instructions of the relevant traffic management signs and at the same time assures the public that every effort is made to minimize the inconvenience from the execution of this important project.
6 POLICE ISSUE ADVICE TO PREVENT BURGLARIES AHEAD OF THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND
With the peak holiday season coming up, police on Saturday issued advice on how best to protect homes from burglaries.
“During the summer period, many people may be away from their residence either for vacations or for a one-day trip, looking for some coolness on the beaches or in the mountainous areas, however, there are also incidents of break-ins and thefts from homes when owners are absent,” the police said in a statement.
“In addition to the efforts made by the police, we remind you of some simple measures to prevent burglaries and thefts, which the public can take to more effectively protect their property while they are away.”
The police advised people to make sure that their house is well locked, having secured doors and windows. They also said that keys shouldn’t be left in the locks, not even on the inside of the door.
The police stressed that people shouldn’t leave any traces that betray their absence nor should they post about it on social media.
Moreover, people should not leave money, jewellery or other valuables and important documents visibly exposed or in unsafe places in their homes.
If there is an alarm system installed or a closed circuit monitoring system, residents must make sure that this is switched on and operating normally.
Finally, the police advised that residents should ask for help from the people they trust, such as their parents, adult children, or neighbour so that their residence is checked at regular intervals during their absence.
“The public is urged to be vigilant and to cooperate closely with the police, and, in the event that they perceive persons or vehicles roaming suspiciously, to immediately inform their local police station or contact the emergency telephone line 112 or 199, or the citizen’s line at 1460,” the statement concluded.
7 KAMARES CLUB
Please note that the bar and restaurant will be closed Saturday 13 August for a private function, and Monday 15 August the Club will be closed due to the bank holiday.
8 DEPT OF LABOUR INSPECTIONS
Inspections on a Cyprus-wide basis in hotel units to combat undeclared work The Inspection Service of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, in the context of the effort to combat undeclared work and the control of compliance with Basic Labor Legislation, informs that during the month of July 2022 targeted inspections were carried out on a Cyprus-wide basis in Hotel Units. Controls were carried out in 35 premises, where 35 employers were identified. The total number of workers identified was 561. (235 men and 326 women). In detail, 215 were Greek Cypriots, 202 citizens of the European Union and 144 foreigners from Third Countries. 11 undeclared employees were identified. 3 Violation Notices and 3 Fines of €7,500 were issued. The purpose of the campaign was to raise the awareness of all those employed in these economic activities, regarding the consequences of undeclared work and non-compliance with the provisions of the relevant Legislation. It is noted that, according to the provisions of the relevant Legislation, in case of detection of an undeclared person in the Social Insurance Fund, an administrative fine of €500 multiplied by 7 months is issued, unless it is proven by the employer that the period of violation was shorter. In case it is proven that the period of violation was longer, the fine is multiplied by the actual months. It is reminded that anonymous/named complaints/information regarding undeclared work or violation of terms of employment are accepted on the Cyprus hotline 77778577.
