Cyprus has announced it is the lifting of the ban on entry to people who have not completed their Covid-19 vaccination program, while it also said it was scrapping a series of other measures.

The decisions were made public by the Minister of Health of Cyprus M. Hadjipandelas. The scrapping of the majority of the measures will take effect from February 21, and include among other things:

(a) from 21 February 2022, the lifting of the ban on entry to persons who have not completed their vaccination in restaurants, nightclubs, clubs, stadiums, theatres, cinemas, auditoriums, weddings, baptisms and hotel stays; or tourist accommodation. Entry will be allowed upon presentation of SafePass (24-hour Rapid Antigen Detection Test).

(b) from 21 February 2022, the increase of the maximum number of persons in restaurants, nightclubs, clubs, weddings, and baptisms, from 200 to 250 persons, in compliance with the health protocols and the maximum number of persons per square metre in force.

(c) from 21 February 2022, the increase in the number of persons per table in restaurants, nightclubs, clubs, weddings, and baptisms, from 8 to 12 persons.

(d) from 21 February 2022, increase the number of gatherings in homes from 10 to 20 people, not including children up to 12 years old.

(e) the lifting of the ban on dancing and the increase of the maximum number of persons in restaurants and leisure areas, after the preparation of a special protocol. Authorisation of the Minister of Health for consultation with the involved bodies and implementation of the protocol after approval of the Advisory Scientific Committee.

(f) from 21 February 2022, children aged 4 and over who attend kindergarten and pre-primary , are required to take a rapid antigen test (Rapid test) once a week.

(g) the introduction of the measure “test to stay” (test for 5 consecutive days for case contacts) in kindergartens and pre-primary (excluding nursery departments and stations). The date of commencement and the manner of implementation of the measure will be announced after consultation with the competent services, the workers ‘unions and the parents’ associations.

(h) the introduction of the measure “test to stay” in the Public and Educational Service. The date of commencement and the details of the implementation of the measure will be announced after consultation with the competent services and the workers’ unions.

(i) the extension of the “test to stay” measure in Primary and Secondary education.

(j) from 21 February 2022, the reduction of the teleworking rate from 50% to 25% of the staff of each company or organisation in the service sector, excluding essential services. It should be reminded that the percentage includes people who due to illness or declaration as close contact with a confirmed case are self-limiting and work from home, as well as people who use their leave to rest.

(k) from 28 February 2022, the resumption of all surgeries involving old cases. It is emphasised that the referral of patients to Emergency Departments of private hospitals will continue in order to decongest the TAEP Hospitals within GESS.

(l) from 21 February 2022, as for workers in daycare facilities for vulnerable groups, transitional hostels, daycare centers and child protection facilities, the demonstration of either a negative laboratory test (PCR) valid for 72 hours or a negative test Antigen detection (Rapid test) valid for 24 hours, either a valid certificate of integrated vaccination or a valid certificate of recovery from COVID-19 disease.

(m) from 21 February 2022, the increase of stadium occupancy to 70% of capacity.

(n) from 21 February 2022, the increase of occupancy in theaters, cinemas, and theatres to 75% of capacity.

(o) the extension of the existing measures until March 14, 2022.