Full details of revised Covid-19 restrictions/measures in TRNC

The new decisions were taken by the Higher Committee for Infectious Diseases which convened within the scope of the Ministry of Health Infectious Diseases Law on Friday. 

Here are the decisions:
In line with the Decisions taken by the Committee for Infectious Diseases under the Infectious Diseases Law 45/2018, the Ministry of Health has decided to implement the following Additional Precautionary Decisions.

DECISIONS

1. As of 07.06.2021, the entry criteria will be used to determine people who will come to the country as will be indicated by the state.

Note: Country risk level will be updated weekly by the committee. If the test positive rate of the relevant country is above 4%, it will be evaluated at the next higher risk level.  

2. Persons will be able to spend 10-14 days of quarantine periods at the specified residence addresses, depending on the country of origin, with a wristband, provided that they show their residence address in the country and download the "Stay Safe Application" before coming to the country.  

-In order to pass the quarantine periods, they will go to their residential addresses, either alone or in the company of a driver, or by public transport, taxi, touristic minibus authorized vehicles determined by the Ministry of Finance. Persons over the age of 65 and those who go abroad with the committee for health reasons will be able to download the "Stay Safe Application" after they come to the country.

-It is recommended that people who do not comply with the home quarantine rules are sent to central quarantine, people pay their quarantine fees themselves and criminal proceedings will be initiated in accordance with the relevant legislation. 

3. People who have contact with a Covid-19 positive person in the country that require quarantine will be subject to quarantine for 10 days. At the end of 10 days, if the PCR test result to be taken from the contact persons is negative, the isolation periods will be terminated. 

4. It is deemed necessary to accept passengers on flights to be organized in the country with a maximum of 6 flights per day and a maximum of 200 people per flight, and a maximum of 2 flights per day and 75 passengers (excluding soldiers) on ship voyages. 

5. Due to the increasing number of cases in India, Brazil, the Netherlands, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Siera Leone, Cameroon, from 24.05.2021 until a second decision to be taken by those who want to come to our country (excluding TRNC citizens) who have been in these countries within the last 14 days It was decided to stop their entry into the country. It has been deemed appropriate to allow TRNC citizens who will come to the country from the above-mentioned countries in the last 14 days to enter the country provided that they remain in quarantine for 14 days. 

6. Charter flights and wristbands are applied for 4 nights and 5 days.Hotels that will make closed hotel tourism must sign the prepared contracts. These hotels will not accept customers from outside, neither for the purpose of accommodation nor for the use of restaurants, cafes, etc.in the hotel. It is forbidden for TRNC citizens to come with charter flights (However, citizens with dual nationality can enter if their residence address is in another country and if they do not comply with the specified rules, they will be quarantined centrally). In this context, it has been deemed appropriate to organize a maximum of 8 flights per week for indoor hotel tourism. Hotel staff will repeat PCR tests every 7 days. Hotel staff will be able to leave the hotel 2 days after the customers leave the hotel after their PCR tests are negative. 

7. Hotels that do not do closed hotel tourism and want to do local tourism will sign the pledges and serve within the framework of the specified rules. Hotel staff will repeat PCR tests every 7 days. 

8. Sea cruising boats will continue to serve as one third of their capacity. Staff on the tour boat will repeat the PCR tests every 7 days. In addition, the commitment forms to be prepared will be signed and legal action will be taken against those who are found to be not complying with the specified rules . Marinas will be open. 

9. State and private schools can be opened within the scope of the plan to be made by the Ministry of National Education and Culture. (including classroom, study, private lessons, course activities and summer schools) In kindergartens (3,4,5 years old), 12. Teachers and staff working in the classrooms will repeat antigen tests every 7 days at the specified stations. In addition, teachers and employees working in the education sector to be opened after planning will repeat antigen tests every 7 days. 

10. People working in special education centers will repeat PCR tests every 7 days. 

11. Libraries will be able to continue their activities within the framework of the rules specified in the contract to be signed. 

12. Apprentice students have been deemed appropriate to start their education in the workplace depending on the sectors opened. The rules applied in the specified sectors will also apply to apprentice students. 

13. It has been deemed appropriate to conduct the national / international exams to be held in our country under the conditions stated below.

The persons and supervisors who will take the exam have negative PCR test results within the last 72 hours,

- Always keeping doors and windows open in order to ventilate the exam area,

- Persons entering the exam area to use their personal protective equipment during the exam,

- Arrangement of tables in the exam area to comply with social distance rules

-It has been deemed appropriate to do it provided that a disinfectant is placed at the entrance to the examination area. 

14. Public transportation will be available in all districts within and between districts. Bus, minibus, taxi etc. Passengers will not be admitted to the driver's side of the vehicles engaged in transportation. In buses, minibuses and minibuses, the passengers will be transported with a seating arrangement so that the back seat of the passengers' driver's seat is empty and 50% capacity will be operated with one empty and one full.

Windows will be open during the journey, air conditioning will not be used and everyone in the vehicle will wear a mask. Vehicles will be disinfected after each time. In addition, a commitment form will be signed by the business owners of public transport and taxi enterprises engaged in public transportation. If it is determined that the rules specified in the commitment forms are not complied with, criminal action will be imposed on them in accordance with the relevant legislation. 

15. Truck drivers who enter the country for the shipment of goods from our ports can enter the country daily, provided that they submit the PCR test they have done in the last 72 hours and sign the contract to be prepared. 

16. Those who reside in the North and work in Southern Cyprus or work in the North who reside in Southern Cyprus will be able to go on a daily pass without quarantine, provided that they submit the negative PCR test results within the last 7 days. 

17. It has been deemed appropriate for people residing in Northern Cyprus and transiting to Southern Cyprus for treatment purposes, if they document their appointments at the border gates, they can cross to Southern Cyprus without daily quarantine. The patient and his attendant (if necessary) who will be transferring for health purposes are required to submit the negative PCR test results made within the last 3 days upon arrival. Patients and accompanying persons returning to our country after treatment are required to present a current dated prescription, report or invoice to be obtained from the doctor / hospital when they enter the country. 

18. It has been deemed appropriate for people residing in Southern Cyprus and transiting to Northern Cyprus for treatment purposes, if they document their appointments at the border gates, they submit the negative PCR test results within the last 3 days, without daily quarantine. However, the patient and his attendant doctor / hospital must show the current date prescription, report and invoice to be transferred for health purposes. 

19. It is deemed appropriate that the truck drivers with license plates in Southern Cyprus, who need to cross to Northern Cyprus to buy goods from Southern Cyprus, should have a daily pass with the PCR test result they have done in the last 72 hours, without any of them. 

20. Within the scope of the Green Line Regulation, it has been deemed appropriate for people doing business in Southern Cyprus to trade without quarantine until 20:00 daily, provided that they submit their official documents regarding trade. Trade persons are required to submit negative PCR tests within the last 7 days. 

21. Without quarantine, ambulances will be able to transit bilaterally from the Yeşilırmak Border Gate for health purposes. In addition, in the last 7 days, those who reside in the village of Kato Pyrgos and will pass to Southern Cyprus via TRNC for school and business purposes; Those who will transit through the TRNC for other reasons were deemed appropriate to transit without stopping anywhere, with the PCR test results they had done in the last 3 days. 

22. Persons residing or working in Pile will be able to make a daily pass without quarantine, provided that they submit the negative PCR test results that they have done in the last 7 days. In addition, in order to meet the needs of people residing in Pile, if the employees of the enterprises operating in our country request a transition to Pile, it has been deemed appropriate for the employees to make a daily transition if they submit the negative PCR test results within the last 48 hours. 

23. UN, EU, British Bases, Buffer Zone, Missing Persons and Peace Corps employees will be able to enter without quarantine, provided that they submit negative PCR test results within the last 7 days. 

24. When diplomats are not with them, diplomatic mission drivers will be able to enter for a maximum of 2 hours for document transportation, route determination, etc., without quarantine, provided that they submit the negative PCR test results made in the last 7 days. 

25. It has been deemed appropriate for the people residing in Beyarmudu to make a daily pass without quarantine in order to carry out their livestock and agriculture activities in the Buffer Zone and the Bases Region. 

26. The transfers of those who reside in our country and want to go abroad via Southern Cyprus Larnaca Airport, and also want to come to our country via Southern Cyprus Larnaca Airport, will be made by T-permit taxis and touristic minibuses. Drivers who will make the said transfer are required to submit negative PCR test results within the last 3 days. These vehicles must return within a maximum of 3 hours from the border gate they pass through. By ensuring all necessary hygiene conditions in these vehicles, they will be able to transfer with a maximum of 2 passengers in taxis with a "T" license and a maximum of 4 passengers in vehicles with a touristic minibus license.

In transfers from Southern Cyprus to our country, the negative PCR test results made in the last three days will be submitted and the passengers brought with the knowledge of the border police will be transferred to the designated quarantine hotels.

In addition, T-permit taxis can deliver cargo from our country to Southern Cyprus or from Southern Cyprus to our country, provided that they submit the negative PCR test results within the last 3 days and return within a maximum of 3 hours from the border crossing hours, provided that they show the cargo related document.

In addition, the drivers will sign the commitment forms prepared within the scope of the above-mentioned rules. If it is determined that the specified rules are not complied with, the drivers will not be allowed to pass again. 

27. Barbers, hairdressers, beauty salons and tattoo studios / salons will continue their work between 07:00 and 20:00. People working in these sectors will repeat antigen tests every 7 days. In addition, the prepared commitment forms will be signed and businesses that are found to be not complied with the specified rules will be closed. 

28. A maximum of one third of the outdoor and indoor areas of restaurants, patisseries, cafes and taverns will continue to be used. People working in these sectors will repeat antigen tests every 7 days. 

Live music can be played in the open areas of restaurants, patisseries, cafes and taverns. Musicians who will make live music will repeat PCR tests every 7 days. In addition, commitment forms will be signed by these sectors and if it is determined that the specified rules are not complied with, the sectors may be closed.  Bars and Clubs, on the other hand, can be opened on 03.06.2021 provided that maximum one-third of their outdoor and indoor areas are used. People working in these sectors will have antigen tests done every 7 days. In addition, a letter of undertaking will be signed by these sectors and if it is determined that the specified rules are not complied with, the sectors may be closed. 

29. Maximum one third of the outdoor and indoor areas of coffeehouses, cafeterias, cafeterias and clubs will be used. However, no games will be played in the specified sectors (paper, okey, etc.), and hookah, if any, will not be used. People working in these sectors will repeat antigen tests every 7 days. In addition, a letter of undertaking will be signed by these sectors and if it is determined that the specified rules are not complied with, the sectors may be closed. 

30. People working in grocery stores, retail and merchandising services will repeat the PCR or antigen tests every 7 days. 

31. Persons who will enter our country due to IVF treatment will be quarantined for 10-14 days, determined according to their country. People who are planned to go from quarantine hotels to IVF Centers for treatment will be taken from the quarantine hotel for 3-4 hours with negative PCR test results in the last 48 hours and then left to the quarantine hotel after treatment. The responsibility of the person taken from the quarantine hotel will belong entirely to the Managing Director of the IVF Center. The commitment form prepared for each person to be taken from the quarantine hotels and taken to the IVF center will be signed by the Responsible Manager and these forms will be submitted to the Ministry of Health Coordination Board when applying for a treatment permit. 

32. It has been deemed appropriate for professional artists to perform their theater / concert / exhibition work / rehearsals in accordance with the hygiene rule. The shows will be held with a maximum of one third of the halls occupied. Solanda social distance, mask rule will be followed. Everyone who will work in the hall should have negative PCR tests performed within the last 48 hours. The commitment forms to be prepared for these sectors will be signed. One third of its closed areas can be used. 

33. It was deemed appropriate to start the lessons provided that the music / ballet instructors give one-on-one lessons. Instructors will repeat PCR tests every 7 days. There will only be individual lessons. There will be no ballet, dance or music events to be held collectively. 

34. Unless a contrary decision is made according to the number of cases seen in our country, it has been deemed appropriate to perform folk dances in open areas, provided that the mask and hygiene rules are followed, as of 27.05.2021. 

35. According to the number of cases seen in our country, it was decided to open the movie theaters on 03.06.2021, unless a contrary decision is made. People will be admitted in a way that one third of the movie theaters will be used and it is forbidden to eat and drink in the halls. People working in these sectors will repeat PCR tests every 7 days. In addition, contracts will be signed by these sectors and if it is determined that the specified rules are not complied with, the sectors will be closed. 

36. Non-contact, individual and outdoor sports activities, training and spectator-free competitions (athletics, horse riding, archery, tennis, golf, triathlon, cycling, outdoor swimming, sailing, sports activities for all (bocce and orientric), shooting, hunting (sportive events), air sports, motor and car races). 

37. Provided that they do the weekly PCR tests, it has been deemed appropriate to train the team sports to be held in indoor and outdoor areas and to perform competitions without spectators. The undertaking to be prepared with the relevant federations will be signed. 

38. Indoor sports halls (fitness, individual) will be able to continue their activities within the framework of the conditions specified in the letter of undertaking. People working in gyms will repeat the PCR tests every 7 days. These halls will be able to start serving from 06:00. Dance schools, music and similar school and course activities will not be held. 

39. Training of performance swimmers and licensed swimmers of sports clubs and disabled individuals for rehabilitation purposes can be carried out in swimming pools. It has been deemed appropriate for the swimming pools in the open area to operate within the scope of the rules specified in Annex-1. 

40. It is deemed appropriate for the beaches to work within the scope of the rules specified in Annex-2. 

41. It was decided that funerals would be held with the participation of only first degree relatives, taking into account the social distance rule. 

42. It is appropriate not to hold demonstrations, rallies and ceremonies in closed areas, and to hold actions, rallies and ceremonies in open areas in compliance with the social distance rule. 

43. All kinds of socializing activities in the house will be limited to a maximum of 10 people. If it is determined otherwise, necessary legal action will be initiated. 

44. Mass worship will be held in accordance with social distance, masks and hygiene rules and using maximum one-third of the closed areas to be worshiped.     

45. According to the number of cases seen in our country, it has been decided that engagement, wedding, wedding, circumcision ceremonies to be held in the open area within the framework of the rules specified in the undertaking to be prepared in the event that a contrary decision is not made, as of 27.05.2021. The commitment forms to be prepared will be signed. 

46. It has been deemed appropriate that the activities such as amusement parks, festival areas, etc. should be established in open areas as of 27.05.2021, taking into account the social distance rules. 

47. It has been decided that the indoor playgrounds and indoor playgrounds will be opened on the condition that the employees sign the contract to be prepared and perform the PCR test once a week as of 03.06.2021. 

48. Bet offices will be able to continue their activities within the framework of the conditions specified in the letter of undertaking. One third of the closed areas of the offices will be able to be operated. Food service will not be provided at Bet offices. People working in these sectors will repeat antigen tests every 7 days. In addition, commitment forms will be signed by these sectors and sectors will be closed if it is determined that the specified rules are not complied with. 

49. People who log into internet cafes will be recorded and people will be able to use the computers for a maximum of 2 hours. People working in these sectors will repeat PCR tests every 7 days. In addition, contracts will be signed by these sectors and if it is determined that the specified rules are not complied with, the sectors will be closed. 

50. It has been decided to start night clubs activities as of 27.05.2021, provided that the persons to be assigned to the night clubs remain in central quarantine for 14 days upon entering the country.

ANNEX 1

Rules to be Followed in Outdoor Swimming Pools

• It should be ensured that the chlorine level and pH of the pool water comply with the levels specified in the "Regulation on the Health Principles of Swimming Pools", it should be measured and recorded periodically. It is recommended that the pools be chlorinated to the highest possible value.
• Work should be done to keep the chlorine level at an appropriate value during high temperature hours when the chlorine level is likely to drop.
• Those who have symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and shortness of breath when entering the pool area cannot use the pool.
• A personnel responsible for the operation of the pools is determined.
• The capacity of the pool areas is determined to be one person per 5 square meters.
• The social distance in the pool area is 1.5 meters. The distance between the lounge chairs and sunbeds should also be at least 1.5 meters.
• In order to prevent excessive crowding in these areas, the pool capacity information is posted on the entrance of the area. A simple warning / blocker is placed to prevent entry.
• People must wear masks at the entrances of the facility. Facility workers will always wear masks.   
• It is mandatory for every guest to provide hand hygiene at the entrance of the pool. Hand sanitizer is kept at the entrance of the pool and in suitable places.
• Social distance rules are followed. People in the same family can coexist.
• Before entering the swimming pool, users take a shower and disinfect hands and feet.
• Since COVID-19 will increase the risk of contact, it is not possible to stay in pools for a long time.
• No fabric mattresses are used on the sun loungers. If washable / wipeable cushions are used, they are cleaned after guest use is over.
• Social distance is taken into consideration in the use of changing cabins. Cabins are cleaned after each use.
• People should be encouraged to bring / use their own beach towels. For those who do not bring with them, towels are provided to the guest in bags or by a staff member. Towel etc. textile products are washed at at least 60 degrees.
• When touching the plastic and steel surfaces in these areas, the face, eyes, mouth and nose are not touched, hands are washed with soap and water or hand sanitizer is used when touched.
• Disinfection and microbiological quality tests of the pools are carried out regularly in accordance with the legislation.
• Collective activities, exercise, diving lessons etc. in the pools. applications are not made.
• Materials such as goggles, snorkels and fins are not shared. Beverage cabinets and seating groups are cleaned and disinfected frequently. In addition to these, hand sanitizer is kept within easy reach.
• In case of providing cafe and restaurant services, it operates according to the rules determined previously regarding these sectors.
• Since it will be difficult for children to maintain social distance, these areas are used under parental supervision.
• General cleaning of these areas is done regularly with water and detergent every day. Dust-generating sweeping or high-pressure water or chemical spraying is not applied.
• Entrance doors to toilet areas should be turned into an automatic door system. If this is not possible, the handles of the entrance doors to the toilet area are frequently disinfected.
• Floors of toilets, toilet bowls, urinals, sinks, faucet and tap heads, door handles are frequently cleaned and disinfected.
• Banners on hand hygiene and hand washing are hung in the toilet entrances.
• Cleaning hours of toilets and sinks are recorded and posted visibly.
• Liquid soap, toilet paper and paper towels are always kept in the toilets. Air dryers are not used.

Annex 2

Rules to be Followed at Beaches

• People must wear a mask when entering the beach and swimming areas. Facility workers will always wear masks.  

• At least one personnel responsible for the entire operation of the beach and swimming area is always present.
• It is mandatory for every guest to provide hand hygiene when entering the beach. Hand sanitizer is available at the beach entrance and in suitable places.
• Personnel with symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and shortness of breath cannot be employed. Guests showing these symptoms cannot use the beach and swimming areas.
• Measures are taken to keep the social distance between people at least 1.5 meters in the beach and swimming area.
• The distance between the sunbeds is set at least 1.5 meters. The distance between the canopy is arranged in accordance with the distance between the sunbeds.
• The capacity of the beach and swimming areas is determined as one person per 5 square meters.
• Arrangements are made in lounges in accordance with social distance rules. Capacity is determined as one person per 2 square meters in the lodge areas.
• Social distance rules are followed. People in the same family or guests staying in the same room in hotels can coexist.
• In order to prevent crowding in the beach area, the capacity is determined according to social distance and size. Capacity information is posted on the beach entrance. Measures are taken to ensure that more than capacity guests do not use the area.
• No fabric mattresses are used on the sun loungers. If washable / wipeable cushions are used, they are cleaned after guest use is over.
• Social distance is taken into consideration in the use of changing cabins. Cabins are cleaned after each use.
• People should be encouraged to bring / use their own beach towels. For those who do not bring with them, towels are provided to the guest in bags or by a staff member. Towel etc. textile products are washed at at least 60 degrees.
• Beverage cabinets and seating groups are cleaned and disinfected frequently. In addition to these, hand sanitizer is kept within easy reach.
• In case of providing cafe and restaurant services, it operates according to the rules determined previously regarding these sectors.
• Group activities are not held. Water sports activities can be done individually or in the family together with spouses and children. Those staying in the same room can do sports together, provided that the reservation and follow-up is made through the room number in the hotels.
• After the use of sports equipment and tools, all kinds of materials and equipment should be cleaned with water and detergent, and frequently touched surfaces should be disinfected.
• Paragliding etc. Half of the boat capacity, including employees, are recruited for individual water sports activities.
• Tubes, balance vests, lifejackets and similar equipment used in underwater and above water sports activities for tourism purposes are only used by one person during the activity and disinfected after use.
• Entrance doors to toilet areas should be turned into an automatic door system. If this is not possible, the handles of the entrance doors to the toilet area are frequently disinfected.
• Floors of toilets, toilet bowls, urinals, sinks, faucets and tap heads, door handles are frequently cleaned and disinfected.
• Hand hygiene and hand washing are posted at the toilet entrances.
• Cleaning hours of toilets and sinks are recorded and posted visibly.
• Liquid soap, toilet paper and paper towels are always kept in the toilets. Air dryers are not used.