Cyprus changes curfew and SafePass rules

Nightclubs will reopen on 10 June

The second phase of easing of corona restrictions across Cyprus after the snap lockdown continues with changes to the rules governing the curfew  and the mandatory SafePass required for visiting places with increased human presence. The changes will take effect on Monday, 17 May.

Shorter curfew, no SafePass outdoors

Under the new measures, announced by the government on Friday, the curfew will start an hour later – from midnight instead of 11 pm. Also, the recently introduced SafePass will no longer be required when visiting open places, such as the outdoor areas of restaurants, cafes, theatres, cinemas and others.  

However, the SafePass remains mandatory for all indoor spaces, such as shopping malls, theatres, cinemas, churches, gyms, conference halls, and fairgrounds.

The SafePass means presenting physical copies of one of three certificates – for a negative rapid or PCR test not older than 72 hours, a first dose of vaccine administered at least 3 weeks prior, or recovery from Covid-19 in the past 6 months.

As of 17 May, the number of people allowed in cultural establishments and places of worship will also increase. Amusement and theme parks and playgrounds are reopening.

Nightclubs to reopen on 10 June

Regarding future relaxation measures, the government decided to reopen nightclubs from 10 June, based on the roadmap and the health protocol, which will be finalized in the coming days after consultation between the Ministry of Health and the stakeholders.

Psychological boost “after months of sacrifice”

The new relaxed measures were made possible by the improved epidemiological situation due to citizens’ compliance and vaccinations headway, and are being taken because of "the need for psychological stimulation of citizens after months of sacrifice," Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said, as quoted by the government’s press information office.

New case numbers in the last week are less than half a percent of all tests performed. The trend of a significant decline in the number of newly diagnosed cases, in the positivity rate and in the number of hospitalized patients "fills us with optimism", emphasized Ioannou.

The Health Minister also said that in terms of vaccinations per 100 inhabitants, Cyprus already ranks third in the EU. As TheMayor.EU has already reported, tourists visiting the island do not need a SafePass, as their FlightPass doubles as a SafePass.