Stage two of easing the lockdown will go ahead as planned on May 21 after the government gave the green light while also allowing Cypriots access to organized beaches earlier than planned.
Following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, government spokesperson Kyriacos Koushos said the next stage of easing lockdown was given the go-ahead after consultation with the team of scientists advising President Nicos Anastasiades on handling the coronavirus crisis.
All relaxations are subject to compliance with preventive measures and protocols issued by the Health Ministry.
Organised beaches which were due to open on 1 June but will now welcome the public on 23 May. At present only swimming is allowed not sunbathing or any other leisure activity.
“The same applies for religious worship where church services and other forms of religious worship, mosques and other places, also due to be permitted from June, has been moved forward to May 23,” said Koushos.
This is how Stage II will unfold
Thursday 21 May
- Primary schools and the first two years of Lyceums open. Kindergartens and gymnasiums are to remain closed
- People will be allowed to move without requesting permission via SMS
- Up to 10 people allowed to gather at homes
- Free movement in parks (except children’s play areas). The rule of a maximum of 10 people gathering in the same area also applies to parks
- Hair salons, barbers, beauty salons, massage and tattoo parlours also to reopen
- Reopening of catering establishments with outdoor facilities. Outdoors is defined as the areas where smoking is permitted. Groups at a single table should not exceed 10.
Saturday 23 May
- Church services and other forms of religious worship in churches, mosques and other places of worship are permitted, provided that protocols on hygiene, as determined by the Ministry of Health, are strictly adhered to. The same measures apply for weddings, christenings, and funerals.
- Opening of beaches
- Betting shops also reopen
Monday 1 June
- Libraries
- Museums
- Archaeological sites
- Ports are also to reopen but cruise passengers cannot disembark
The cabinet also decided to send a bill to parliament that will raise penalties for owners of businesses that violate social distancing rules and health protocols.
Koushos called on the public and businesses to strictly adhere to protective measures.
