House gatherings banned, leniency for NYE

The holiday period appears to have taken its toll on the local coronavirus pandemic as Cyprus announced a record high 751 new cases on Monday, with the Health Ministry following up on Tuesday with stricter restrictions just days before New Year’s Eve.

In what appears to be a bid to prevent any further epidemiological deterioration, the Health Ministry announced new measures that come into effect at 6pm on Tuesday, and will remain in place until January 10, when all other restriction measures are set to expire.

The new measures include a ban on house gatherings, with only permanent residents permitted to gather in a home.

Exceptions to this rule are people looking after minors or disabled people while parents or legal guardians are required to be at work, as well as caregivers for those unable to take care of themselves.

On New Year’s Eve, the Health Ministry said leniency will be granted as house gatherings can feature up to 10 people, including minors, but on condition that guests are part of up to two families.

Additionally, as of Wednesday, public sector offices will work with skeleton crews to deal with urgent matters, with the majority of public servants to revert to remote work.