Food delivery ban during heatwaves

Food delivery drivers must park their vehicles in the shade when temperatures reach extreme highs following a cabinet decision on Thursday.

In comments to the media following the cabinet session, Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou announced the decision, explaining that food delivery with motorcycles will be prohibited between 12 noon and 4 pm on days for which the Met Office has issued an orange or red warning.

It is understood that the health and safety ban applies to deliveries on mopeds, motorbikes, bicycles and scooters.

Meanwhile, every year during July and August, the Labour Inspection Department carries out a campaign at construction sites and other premises where outdoor work is performed.

According to legislation, it is illegal for employers to allow workers to carry out outdoor work when temperatures exceed 42 degrees Celsius.

Cyprus is holding its breath, awaiting a respite from a punishing heatwave expected as July is the hottest month on record.

It is not just the hottest July ever recorded but the hottest month since the weather station in Athalassa Nicosia was established in 1983.

On Thursday, the Met Office issued another yellow warning for high temperatures, expected to exceed 41 degrees.

According to Met Office data, temperatures on Thursday peaked at 43°C just after 1 pm in Nicosia.

Cyprus has been sweltering under temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius since 12 July, when the island was hit by a heatwave dubbed Cleon, raising temperatures to a maximum 44°C on 15 July.