Cabinet maps out how to ease measures

The Cabinet in the Republic of Cyprus convenes Wednesday morning in order finalize plans for easing restrictions and restarting the economy as signs show COVID-19 infections winding down.

President Nicos Anastasiades, who will preside over the meeting at 11:30am, already had face-to--face consultations with health experts, who had previously advised several ministers on the latest epidemiological data.

Reports said the president wanted to get feedback and weigh the recommendations from his science advisors against the specific measures offered by the ministers.

According to Cyprus News Agency, deputy government spokesperson Panagiotis Sentonas said the president had a chance to get feedback from the health experts on the plan that was put together by ministers on a special task force.

Sentonas told CAN on Tuesday that the committee took into consideration both scientific evidence as well as economic and social conditions.

“Decisions on the matter will be taken by the Cabinet [on Wednesday] and there will be specific announcements immediately after” he said.

Earlier reports said easing of measures in the initial phase might include an increase on the limit of SMS personal movement requests and opening of neighbourhood parks, while recommendations by the ministers also included re-opening small businesses including trades supporting the construction industry and home improvement sectors.

A total of four stages are included in the plan according to reports, starting in early May with each phase rolled out every two weeks barring unforeseen circumstances. Shopping malls and airports are said to be included in the final stage later in the summer.