UNFICYP urges cooperation in addressing coronavirus emergency

UNFICYP called on the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides to maintain communication and cooperation in addressing the coronavirus health emergency, and expressed its readiness to assist toward this end.

UNFICYP Spokesperson Aleem Siddique said "UNFICYP has been informed about the decision to temporarily close two more crossing points as a safeguard against the further spread of coronavirus in Cyprus."

On February 3, Siddique said, "the two leaders met with the members of the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Health at the Ledra Palace Hotel to discuss preparedness measures in light of Covid-19."

"As the situation continues to evolve, we call on both sides to inform each other and to continue their close cooperation in addressing this new public health emergency," he said, adding that "we stand ready to assist both sides in this respect.”

Regarding the closing of the Strovilia crossing, UNFICYP "will continue to follow up on the well-being of the Strovilia residents during this temporary measure," Siddique said.

Turkish Cypriot authorities on Thursday shut two buffer zone crossings at Limnitis/ Yesilirmak in the northwest and Strovilia/ Akyar in the east after the north saw one confirmed case of coronavirus. Only three checkpoints remain open.