All new UN peacekeepers in Cyprus will undergo a period of 14 days of isolation prior to the commencement of their duties with the mission, spokesperson of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Aleem Siddique has told CNA referring to the measures that the mission is taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Siddique said that “UNFICYP continues its operations and our peacekeepers maintain their patrols in the buffer zone and remain engaged with both sides,” adding that “the mission has stepped up measures to protect our peacekeepers, ensure continuity of UN operations in Cyprus and prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.”

“With respect to our uniformed peacekeepers, all new personnel will undergo a period of 14 days of isolation prior to the commencement of their duties with the mission,” he added. Furthermore, he noted that civilian staff have been instructed to telecommute wherever possible to minimize the potential spread of the virus.

Siddique said that the mission continues to follow the advice and guidance provided by the WHO, UN headquarters and the local authorities..

Moreover he stressed that UNFICYP continues to make every effort to ensure that necessary humanitarian deliveries to affected individuals living in the occupied part of Cyprus continue.

He also noted that “the mission is also working with both sides to ensure that medical emergencies are facilitated to the extent possible within these difficult times.”

“We continue to be in close contact with the sides, facilitating the exchange of information as the situation evolves. UNFICYP and the entire UN presence in Cyprus are in full solidarity with all Cypriots and affected persons on the island and stand ready to assist to the best of our capabilities,” he concluded.

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