North and South Cyprus breaths a new air as partial curfew and other restrictive measure are lifted

Partial curfew on both sides of the divided island of Cyprus implemented in March as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in the island has ended today.

In the southern part of Cyprus, the first phase of easing restrictions started with the construction sector and retail businesses except those in shopping malls and department stores. Restaurants and playgrounds will also remain closed.

Public sector employees are also back to work with the exception of people belonging to vulnerable groups and those who care for children up to 15 years old.

Curfew in southern Cyprus will stay in place from 10pm until 6am. Prayers are allowed in churches as long as no more than 10 people are present. 

The restrictive measures will gradually be phased out with the final phase scheduled to start on July 14.

In Northern Cyprus, the partial daytime curfew ended today but full curfew between 9:00pm-06.00am at night will last until May 15. Also suspended is inter city travel ban.

On Sundays, the ban on “partial curfew” remains in place while obligation to wear a mask continue to be in force.

Pharmacies and banks are returning to normal working hours too while the closure of places such as schools, kindergartens, classrooms, and study centres was extended until May 15.

Cinema, theaters, collective events, weddings, sports competitions will continue to be banned until May 15.

Meanwhile, there will be no normal working order in public sector, but services will be provided on the basis of need in the flats required by the ministries in the rotation order in the public sector, until May 15.

These place will remain close in the TRNC for the time being;
Restaurants, cafes, bars, cafeterias, patisseries, buffets, tourism sector, hotels, casinos, betting offices, all other entertainment places, gyms, fitness centres, public transportation, wedding halls, dance schools, massage parlours, market places (including those of the municipalities), hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons, theatres, cinemas, coffee shops, restaurants, sports clubs, playgrounds and picnic areas.