Cyprus tightens Covid-19 curbs ahead of Christmas break

The new measures include mask mandate and Safe Pass for children, and ban on unvaccinated persons visiting hospitality venues

With Covid-19 cases across Cyprus on the rise, the government on Wednesday announced that measures to prevent transmission of the coronavirus will be tightened starting 29 November, CNA newswire reported.

No Christmas events at schools

The Minister of Health, Michalis Hadjipantella, said after the meeting of the Council of Ministers that from 29 November the age limit for wearing a mask will be lowered to 6 year-olds. Also, children aged 6-11 will be required to obtain a Safe Pass.

A SafePass will also be mandatory for those between the ages of 14 and 64 from 29 November.

Hadjipantela also said Christmas events at schools have been suspended while similar events elsewhere would need special permission. Weekly rapid tests will be obligatory for primary school pupils until the Christmas break.

Introduction of self-tests

As of 1 December, over 18s who have not been vaccinated would need a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours or a negative rapid test taken within the past 48-hours.

Self-tests will be introduced from 13 December, but according to the Minister they cannot be considered replacements of the current testing system. Self-tests will be free of charge for vaccinated persons.

From 12 December, a SafePass will be valid 7 months after the second vaccine shot only if the holder has received a booster dose. 

From 15 December, indoor and outdoor stadiums, theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas, auditoriums, nightclubs, discotheques, music and dance venues and restaurants will be open only to people aged 12 and over, who have received at least one vaccine dose.