Coronavirus: Q&A on the measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic

The well being ministry on Monday issued an up to date FAQ (steadily requested questions) on the lockdown, efficient between April 26 and Could 9.

A Motion:

1. What are the curfew hours?

Motion is prohibited from 9 within the night till 5 within the morning of the next day.

1. Underneath which circumstances is one allowed to maneuver throughout curfew hours (9 within the night to five within the morning of the subsequent day)?

The motion of individuals throughout curfew hours is permitted for the next causes:

For functions of transferring to and from workplaces, with the presentation of Kind A, accomplished and signed by the employer, which certifies the need for the motion throughout the aforementioned hours.

For pressing functions, resembling to go to a medical centre or a hospital or a pharmacy or a veterinarian for medical emergencies and to render help to people who find themselves unable to look after themselves or who have to self -isolate.

1. What number of instances per day will motion by exception be permitted?

Motion by exception will likely be permitted as soon as a day by sending a textual content message to 8998 for the explanations cited in query 5. Individuals over the age of 65 might use Kind B for his or her motion by exception.

It’s clarified that for functions of transferring to and from the office for work functions, no textual content message is required, however the worker should current Kind A, signed by his/her employer.

By exception, and just for Easter Sunday (Could 2), motion is allowed twice by sending a textual content message to 8998 for the explanations cited in query 5 and for the affordable period of time of three hours.

1. What number of classes for motion by exception are there by way of a textual content message?

There are eight (8) classes for motion by exception by way of a textual content message. Class 8 consists of sub-categories, as outlined in query 5 beneath.

1. Through which circumstances is motion by exception allowed by sending a textual content message?

Motion by exception by sending a textual content message is allowed within the following circumstances:

-Class 1: Go to to a physician / medical middle or for a laboratory take a look at for COVID-19 (speedy take a look at or PCR) or going to a pharmacy.

-Class 2: Buy or provide of important items / companies to and from companies / companies, the operation of which has not been suspended, together with take-away and drive-through of foods and drinks companies, excluding the acquisition / provide of spirits (till 8:30 pm). It’s famous that the acquisition/provide of alcoholic drinks from catering institutions will not be permitted, both for take-away or drive-through.

– Class 3: Going to a financial institution for transactions which can’t be carried out on-line.

– Class 4: Completely essential visits to authorities companies, companies of the broader public sector and the Native Authorities, when the duty can’t be carried out electronically. This class additionally consists of motion to/from the Inexperienced Spots operated by numerous Municipalities/Communities, that are adjoining to the residents’ everlasting residences.

– Class 5: Help to kinfolk and / or fellow residents who’re unable to look after themselves or fall inside teams that need to self-protect or self- isolate and /or in locations of necessary confinement. Solely on Easter Sunday, Could 2, motion is permitted so as to go to a residence supplied that the whole variety of individuals within the residence doesn’t exceed 10, together with youngsters.

– Class 6: Bodily train, supplied it doesn’t exceed two adults excluding minor youngsters and is restricted to areas the place entry is permitted. Persons are additionally allowed to go to a different District, aside from the one the place they completely reside (major residence), for private train functions on the sea, supplied that they don’t exceed two individuals, apart from minor youngsters accompanied by their dad and mom. Motion is permitted for an affordable time and the individuals should return to their everlasting residence on the identical day, no later than 9 pm. Residents completely residing in Districts with entry to the ocean, are usually not allowed to go to a different District for bodily train functions.

– Class 7: Going to a spot of spiritual worship for particular person prayer or for ceremonies, resembling funerals, weddings, baptisms (most variety of individuals in ceremonies 10 individuals).

– Class 8: (upon presentation of the mandatory proof legitimate for every case):

Motion of divorced or separated dad and mom, which is important for communication and make contact with between dad and mom and youngsters. People should present a Court docket Order as proof that they’ve a duty to care for his or her youngsters on the precise days / hours of motion.

Specialised therapies for individuals with disabilities or individuals with continual illnesses, along with their carer.

Switch to and from Larnaca and Paphos Airports for the switch of individuals on presentation of proof (ticket) which reveals the day and time of arrival / departure.

Switch of farmers and stockbreeders, supplied that they submit the type of hectare and capital subsidy from CAPO or, in case this doesn’t apply, a related certificates from the District Agricultural Workplace.

Switch of individuals to animal shelters for the care of animals, supplied that they current a certificates validated by a acknowledged animal welfare group, in addition to a related proof that the Veterinary Providers have been notified on every motion.

Motion for visiting a cemetery.

Switch to a different privately owned property (eg vacation dwelling, and many others.) within the District of everlasting residence and / or in one other District outdoors that of everlasting residence.

All individuals transferring for any of the above causes should carry with them an identification card or passport, for identification functions within the occasion of checks by the Competent Authorities.

1. In what circumstances is motion by exception permitted with out sending a textual content message?

Motion with out sending a textual content message is permitted:

for the motion of individuals with disabilities and individuals falling throughout the spectrum of autism, along with their carers.

for strolling a home animal or for bodily train, supplied that the motion is restricted to the world adjoining to the residence (inside a radius of 500 m from the residence) and supplied that not more than two individuals are current, apart from minor youngsters accompanied by their dad and mom.

for the transportation of minor youngsters to and from particular training faculties.

for the transportation of troopers to and from navy camp, on presentation of proof.

for workers who proceed working with a bodily presence at companies/sectors that haven’t suspended operations, and who want, en path to work, to go to premises that stay in operation for the acquisition of necessity items or go to the Inexperienced Spots that function in Municipalities/Communities for the disposal of things.

for workers who proceed working with a bodily presence and who want to endure a speedy take a look at at a testing web site, en path to work or upon their departure from work or throughout their working hours.

for functions of going to a Vaccination Centre for a scheduled vaccination in opposition to COVID-19, upon presentation of the affirmation message or a related kind or a vaccination certificates, for functions of confirming the switch at that particular time.

Switch to a Blood Donation Centre.

Switch to locations of worship, solely throughout the Holy Week (April 26 – Could 2), solely throughout Divine Liturgy hours.

1. Is motion between Districts permitted?

Sure, motion between Districts is permitted supplied that the aim for which the motion takes place falls throughout the factors of use of a textual content message, which usually doesn’t exceed three (3) hours, with particular affordable exceptions, resembling motion for functions of searching and fishing, for switch of troopers and for switch to and from airports, for a funeral, for caring for the aged and individuals who’re unable to look after themselves in a distinct District than the considered one of their everlasting residence, or for farming and stockbreeding functions.

1. How many individuals are allowed in a personal automobile and what number of passengers can there be on public transport autos?

Non-public autos might carry individuals of the identical household (family), together with minor youngsters of the household, relying on the capability of the automobile, with out using a masks. Within the case of individuals from completely different households, as much as three (3) individuals, together with the driving force, might trip collectively, with necessary use of a masks. For motion for work functions, in a personal automobile with a capability of greater than 5 (5) individuals (e.g., employees on development websites, transporters, and many others.), as much as 4 (4) individuals might trip collectively, with necessary use of a masks. For work functions and if the personal automobile has a capability of lower than 5 (5) individuals, as much as three (3) individuals might trip collectively, with necessary use of a masks.

The utmost variety of individuals in public transport (buses, taxis, and many others.) is decided by an announcement by the Ministry of Transport.

B Social gatherings:

9. Are social gatherings at residences allowed?

Social gatherings at residences are forbidden, excluding these completely residing in them. It’s understood that no meal/dinner could also be held in homes for weddings and christenings.

By exception, and just for Easter Sunday, (Could 2) aside from everlasting residents, presence in residences is allowed, supplied that the whole variety of individuals in a residence doesn’t exceed 10 individuals, together with youngsters.

On the similar time, being current at a residence is permitted for the needs of:

caring for minors and disabled individuals for the interval/length the place the bodily presence of fogeys/guardians is important of their office (e.g., nursery employees, childminders, guardians, caregivers, and many others.).

offering help to people who find themselves unable to care for themselves (remedy, care of people, meals provide, and many others.). It’s understood that such individuals ought to take all private protecting measures and stay just for an affordable time frame essential for the care of the person, in order that they don’t endanger him/her.

Work from professionals resembling electricians, plumbers, home assistants, gardeners, oil painters and many others, in addition to well being professionals, resembling physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, group nurses, and many others., just for the affordable period of time essential for his or her work.

1. Are gatherings allowed in private and non-private assembly locations?

Entry to and social gatherings in private and non-private assembly areas are prohibited, particularly squares, parks, dams, tour websites, marinas, seashores, pedestrian streets, and many others.

Entry is just allowed to parks, linear parks and seashores, solely for bodily train functions

C Sports activities:

11. Is the finishing up of group or private championships and matches allowed?

The finishing up of matches {of professional} championships of the First, Second and Third Division, in addition to the finishing up of matches/championships of non-public sports activities, is allowed with out the presence of spectators. It’s understood that using locker rooms is allowed solely on the day of the match.

All different championships/matches are carried out, based mostly on the rules of the Cyprus Sports activities Organisation.

1. Do indoor and outside sports activities venues stay in operation?

Indoor and outside sports activities venues and swimming swimming pools function based mostly on the rules of the Cyprus Sports activities Organisation.

1. Are trainings in sports activities amenities for group and/or private sports activities allowed?

Coaching classes in sports activities amenities are solely allowed for athletes of the skilled championships of the First, Second and Third Divisions and Nationwide Groups, in addition to skilled athletes of non-public sports activities, so as to put together for participation in matches/championships. It’s understood that using locker rooms is prohibited.

It’s understood that coaching in indoor and outside sports activities amenities is allowed for top efficiency athletes, who’re included within the Cyprus Sports activities Organisation’s registry or for athletes who’re pursuing qualification for the Olympic Video games, with out using locker rooms/gyms and some other closed sports activities and related amenities, supplied that the members within the coaching won’t exceed 5 (5) individuals, together with the coach/coach.

1. In what situations is bodily train/coaching allowed?

Bodily train/coaching is permitted solely in public outside areas the place entry is allowed in accordance with the decree. Particularly, in parks, linear parks and seashores supplied that the members won’t exceed two (2) individuals and that the coaching will likely be carried out inside an affordable period of time.

Indicatively:

A karate athlete might practice on the seaside or park alone or with a coach.

An individual might practice on the seaside or park with or with out gear (i.e. TRX, step, match ball, kettlebells, and many others), supplied that not more than two individuals are current, included the coach.

Swimming at sea is permitted solely throughout non-curfew hours, supplied that not more than two individuals are current.

D Attending spiritual companies

15. Are sacred temples/locations of spiritual worship permitted to function?

The Divine Liturgy in sacred temples/spiritual locations of worship is carried out with out the presence of congregants. It’s clarified that congregants might go to spiritual locations of worship for particular person prayer (simultaneous bodily presence of as much as ten individuals per spiritual place), supplied that the well being protocols will likely be upheld (social distancing, masks, most variety of attendees).

It’s clarified that the presence of congregants within the courtyard of temples/spiritual locations of worship is prohibited.

By means of exception and just for the mass throughout Holy Week (April 26 – Could 2), the presence of congregants contained in the temples/spiritual locations is permitted, supplied that they will current a COVID-19 vaccination certificates offering that they’ve been vaccinated with no less than one jab, no less than three weeks prior, and sustaining social distancing measures. Through the aforementioned interval, the presence of individuals within the courtyards of temples/spiritual locations can also be allowed, supplied that the individuals who’re current there are seated and that the Ministry of Well being’s pointers are upheld.

1. Is the finishing up of spiritual ceremonies like weddings, christenings and funerals permitted?

Non secular ceremonies (weddings, christenings and funerals) might be carried out with a most variety of ten individuals current, together with the husband/spouse. It’s understood that the ten-person restrict doesn’t embody clergymen and different church employees.

As regards funerals, the ten-person restrict applies to each the spiritual ceremony and the burial.

As regards particular person prayers, all measures have to be upheld and not more than ten individuals could also be current throughout the place of spiritual worship.

E Companies/Providers:

17. How will personal service companies function?

Non-public service companies (i.e. legislation places of work, accountants, insurance coverage corporations, service offering companies and many others.) excluding important companies outlined within the Decree, work by way of telework. Contained in the skilled institution, bodily presence is permitted for a most of 20% of the whole variety of employees, with a minimal bodily presence set at three individuals and a most at 25 individuals.

It’s understood that if a enterprise operates in a couple of constructing, bodily presence is permitted for a most of 20% of the workers working in every constructing, with a minimal bodily presence set at three individuals and a most at 25 individuals.

For companies which might be co-located in the identical premises, bodily presence is permitted for a most of 20% of the workers of every authorized entity (particularly, of every enterprise), with a minimal bodily presence set at three individuals and a most at 25 individuals and supplied that the well being protocols are upheld.

The remainder of the employees will work by way of telework. It’s understood that the quantity is rounded up.

As an example,

– In a enterprise of 10 workers, as much as 3 individuals could also be bodily current at work, if the employer so needs.

– In a enterprise of fifty workers, as much as 10 individuals may match by way of bodily presence.

– In a enterprise of 200 workers, the utmost variety of individuals who may match concurrently by way of bodily presence can not exceed 25 individuals.

1. Do the places of work of industries, development and similar-nature corporations, fall throughout the aforementioned association?

Sure, the places of work of industries, development and similar-nature corporations fall throughout the aforementioned association. As an example, on the accounting workplace of a development firm as much as 20% of the employees could also be bodily current at work, with a minimal bodily presence set for 3 individuals and a most at 25. Furthermore, at an architect agency, as much as 20% of the employees could also be bodily current at work, with a minimal bodily presence set for 3 individuals and a most at 25. It’s understood that workers resembling architects and civil engineers might perform outside works, i.e. development websites inspections and many others.

1. Will the shops of companies associated to the development sector stay open for customer support?

No, customer support at shops of companies associated to the development sector, i.e. sanitary ware shops and many others, will not be permitted. It’s understood that such shops might serve development professionals (i.e. plumbers, electricians, builders, and many others.).

1. Is the operation of retail companies allowed?

It’s prohibited to function retail companies to serve the general public with a bodily presence on the premises. It’s understood that these corporations can promote merchandise by way of e-commerce (on-line) and perform phone orders with dwelling supply.

Sure classes of retail companies (e.g. petrol stations, medical gear and medical provides gear companies, dry-cleaners, nurseries and flower outlets, and many others.) could possibly serve in particular person. An in depth record of companies will likely be included within the Decree.

1. Which companies/venues/sectors will droop their operation?

The operation of the next companies is suspended:

Barbershops and hair salons,

Beauticians,

Tattoo parlours,

Theatres, cinemas, efficiency halls, outside and open air amphitheatres,

Foods and drinks areas*,

Night time golf equipment,

Procuring malls, shops**,

Playgrounds,

Theme parks, luna parks, go-kart, tracks, paintball trails,

Archaeological websites, museums, historic websites,

Zoos and pure habitats,

Betting and playing companies,

Casinos,

Driving faculties, automobile drivers’ faculties, faculties {of professional} automobile drivers (Faculties/Certification Centres), Vocational Coaching of Transporters and Vocational Coaching of Drivers of Harmful Items Automobiles,

Automotive dealerships ***,

Gyms, dance faculties, different associated faculties.

*It’s understood that eating places can solely supply dwelling supply companies on the instances set by the businesses themselves and take-away and drive-through till 9 pm. Take-away and drive-through for the acquisition of alcoholic drinks is prohibited.

** It’s understood that shops inside buying centres might promote merchandise by way of e-commerce with dwelling supply.

*** It’s understood that within the case of automotive dealerships solely the operation of restore workshops is permitted. On the similar time, automobile workshops and different associated companies in addition to these offering technical inspection companies of highway transport autos (MOT) stay in operation.

1. Which companies don’t droop their operation?

Companies which stay in operation, in compliance with the related well being directives and protocols, are specified within the related record to be issued by the Ministry of Labour.

1. What applies to development websites and different associated companies?

Building websites and different associated companies shall proceed to function in compliance with the well being protocols. A listing of the companies nonetheless in operation will likely be revealed by the Ministry of Labour.

1. What applies to the operation of meals and beverage retailers and the out-door farmers’ markets?

The operation of shops of meals and drinks, resembling supermarkets, mini-markets, fruit outlets, bakeries, butcher outlets, fishmongers, grocers is permitted.

It’s specified that the sale of retail commerce merchandise (e.g. clothes, footwear, cosmetics, electrical home equipment, linen, toys, and many others.) on the above meals and beverage retail companies is prohibited.

Pharmacies, supermarkets, mini-markets, fruit outlets, butcher outlets, fishmongers and grocery shops, from the beginning of operation till 9 am, shall serve solely individuals over the age of 65 and folks with disabilities.

Public markets function at a capability of fifty %.  It’s famous that the road merchandising of meals (e.g. cell canteens promoting sandwiches, ice cream, greens, fruit, and many others.) is allowed, supplied that the distributors maintain a sound allow from their related Municipal or Neighborhood Council and supplied that customer support is carried out solely by way of take-away, drive-through or supply and with none tables and chairs out there for sitting down on-site. The operation of public markets which promote garments, linen and/or different merchandise, in addition to road distributors of that nature, is prohibited.

Companies within the provide chain stay in operation.

1. Will accommodations and different vacationer lodging amenities stay open?

Resorts/vacationer lodging amenities function solely for the hospitality of individuals who do not need their everlasting residence in Cyprus and fall underneath the provisions of the Decree (paragraphs 2.9 to 2.14 and a pair of.16). Reservations are usually not permitted for individuals completely resident within the Republic of Cyprus.

It’s understood that eating places inside accommodations and vacationer lodging stay open:

just for serving individuals hosted of their premises,

six (6) individuals per desk,

topic to the measure of 1 particular person per 3 sq.m. indoors and one particular person per 2 sq.m. outdoor.

1. How will the general public and wider public sector and Native Authorities function?

The general public and wider public sector will work by teleworking and with a bodily presence of employees that doesn’t exceed 20% of the variety of workers. Employees launched of obligation shall stay at their dwelling to work by teleworking. Providers outlined underneath the Decree as important companies are excluded from the above regulation.

1. Are conferences exhibitions, press conferences and exams permitted?

Conferences, conventions, exhibitions and press conferences are suspended. It’s understood that they might be held on-line.

Examinations and/or conferences of State Authorities and/or conferences of Authorities and/or Providers and/or Our bodies could also be performed in locations for which permission is granted by the Ministry of Well being.

F Hospitals/medical and diagnostic facilities/Outdated peoples’ houses /Rehabilitation facilities/Different Closed Constructions:

28. How will the hospitals work? Are visits to medical doctors permitted? Will surgical procedures be carried out?

Hospitals in each the general public and the personal sector proceed to function with a cap that determines the utmost occupancy of beds at 70 %, together with ICU beds, in accordance with the directions issued by the Ministry of Well being.

Affected person visits to medical doctors and/or medical and diagnostic centres are permitted, with out the presence of an attendant. It’s understood that in circumstances of minors, one of many two dad and mom/guardians is allowed to accompany, whereas in circumstances the place the affected person can not care for himself/herself or and transfer on his personal, he/she could also be accompanied by one other particular person.

Surgical procedures will likely be carried out in accordance with the cap and pointers issued by the Ministry of Well being.

1. Will Dental clinics proceed to function?

Dental clinics will stay in operation just for the remedy of emergencies and solely after appointment. It’s understood that the affected person might be accompanied by one particular person provided that he/she is a minor or an individual who can not serve himself/herself.

1. Will well being professionals, resembling physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dwelling nurses, and many others., proceed to work?

Sure, well being professionals, particularly physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dwelling nurses, will proceed to supply companies, supplied they adjust to the well being protocols.

1. What applies to care houses and different constructions?

There may be nonetheless a ban on visiting residents in nursing houses, rehabilitation centres, aged lodging institutions and different closed constructions. In very distinctive circumstances, the administration might allow visits for an affordable time frame.

G Training:

32 What applies to day-care and nursery faculties, kindergartens, and pre-primary and particular training faculties?

Day-care and nursery faculties, kindergartens, and pre-primary and particular training faculties droop their operation, in accordance with the protocols issued by the competent Ministry of Welfare, Labour and Social Insurance coverage.

1. What applies to the operation of tutoring faculties, personal tuition centres and the way will personal afternoon programs be taught?

The tutoring faculties, and personal academic facilities stay closed and studying is completed on-line by way of distance studying/distance training. It’s understood that educating with bodily presence of as much as two individuals, together with the trainer (1+1), is allowed.

The measure concerning on-line programs shall be utilized indicatively in circumstances resembling: music classes (musical devices, vocals, choir, and many others), portray, artwork, gymnastics, dance, theatre, international languages, educating of college classes (arithmetic, chemistry, physics, historical past, and many others.).

Additions are underlined within the textual content.