Republic finds one new case as north re-imposes restrictions

A single new coronavirus case was detected in the Republic of Cyprus on Tuesday after 2,797 tests, but in the north authorities moved to reinstate several restriction measures after a renewed flare-up of the virus as a result of high numbers of cases imported from Turkey.

According to the health ministry of the Republic of Cyprus, the new case detected on Tuesday involves an asymptomatic Russian woman who came to Cyprus to visit family permanently residing on the island.

The new case brought total coronavirus cases recorded in the Republic of Cyprus to 1,511.

The Famagusta general hospital is treating three coronavirus patients in a general ward, while one coronavirus patient is still receiving treatment in the ICU of the Nicosia general.

Restrictions re-imposed in the north until October 1

After the north reinstated over the weekend a mandatory seven-day quarantine on all arrivals from abroad as a result of the rising number of new cases being detected there daily, authorities in the north moved to take more drastic measures that will come into effect on Wednesday.

According to Kudret Ozersay, in charge of foreign affairs matters in the north, for the next two weeks health experts dealing with the coronavirus pandemic in the north will focus on locating the contacts of positive cases in a bid to stem the renewed flare up of the virus among the community, that has been linked with the surge of cases in Turkey from where the virus is being imported.

Until October 1, clubs and casinos will remain closed to the public, while bars and bistros will remain open but with restrictions on the number of customers.

The first two grades of primary schools will continue with stricter health rules, while the remaining grades of both private and public schools may not begin the new school year until October 1.

Regarding higher education, Ozersay said universities in the north will be conducting 40% of classes with physical presence of students, while 60% will be conducted via distance learning.

With the north undergoing a pre-election period, authorities in the north announced that all mass gatherings, including political rallies in view of the upcoming elections, are suspended until October 1.

In addition, children’s play areas were closed to the public, weddings were suspended, and sports games will be taking place without the presence of fans.

The north will also move to set up a police task force that will monitor and inspect the implementation of rules.