Police go after unworried violators

Police carried out over a thousand daytime and nighttime inspections over the weekend, checking business establishments and sending a message that violations of public health measures would result in a citation.

According to police, a total of 1190 checks and inspections of businesses were carried out from Friday night through Sunday early morning, in order to ensure compliance with measures put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus on the island.

During nighttime inspections of business establishments, a total of 711 checks were carried out on Saturday night and early Sunday morning throughout the Republic of Cyprus, resulting in twelve citations in connection with decree violations according to the Cyprus News Agency.

Police said 21 businesses were also issued fines on Saturday for operating without a permit, or without securing either a liquor licence or an amplified sound permit. On Friday night, out of 479 inspections on businesses, only six nightclubs were found to have exceeded maximum capacity per coronavirus decree guidelines.

Authorities said they would not relax their inspections following reports by health officials who said they were concerned over unworried citizens. A number of business establishments were also caught in blatant violations of public health guidelines, while the vast majority was said to be adhering to the rules.

During a Monday morning news programme on state radio, it was pointed out that many people did not seem to follow health protocols, such as employees not wearing masks or people not keeping safe distances.