Cyprus’ Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Yiannis Karousos warned on Tuesday that no one should dare to board plane from a foreign country to come to Cyprus, without the necessary certificates.
In statements from “Zenon” Coordination Center in Larnaca, the Minister of Transport reiterated that the government steps up efforts to shield the Republic of Cyprus in the fight against coronavirus, with even more strict measures.
Starting from 3am (local time) on March 21, 2020, all flights to Larnaca and Pafos airports, except cargo, will be banned for 14 days. Flights without passengers to the Republic of Cyprus will be allowed in order to transport people who wish to depart from Cyprus. Until then, as Karousos said, the previous decree issued by the Minister of Health will apply, with the exception of persons who have a medical certificate confirming they are not infected. Other exceptions, include those who travelled abroad for medical reasons or for a short stay, for business or professional purposes, and for those who are entitled to enter on the basis of the Vienna Convention.
The Minister stressed that the government would strictly enforce these bans and said that “no one should dare trying to board a plane unless they have the certificates needed”. As for the other exceptions he said that a confirmation from the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Cyprus was needed.
Karoussos sent the message that the government was taking extreme measures to shield the Republic of Cyprus, protect public health and the public interest.
Replying to a question, the Minister said that if necessary, the Republic of Cyprus would charter flights in order to transport passengers, falling within the exceptions announced, back to Cyprus. He added that all of the above passengers will be placed in quarantine, according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health.
On Wednesday there are 17 flights arriving at Larnaca and Pafos airports and as the Minister said, “Zenon” Coordination Center will monitor the situation together with a team from the Ministry of Transport and the Minister himself.
Karousos pointed out that any company that violates NOTAM and the Ministry’s decree that will be subject to sanctions and warnings.
Asked on possible sanctions for EasyJet, which carried passengers from the UK without a medical certificate, the Minister replied that sanctions would be announced in the coming days.
Replying to another question the Minister said that the Government had already found quarantine places to transfer the passengers returning to Cyprus and stressed that no one should think that quarantine is like going on vacation.
Tell the minister, who l spoke with on Monday night outside Larnaca airport after driving 100 miles to pick my wife wife up after she went UK on wed 11th March as her mother had just DIED, that this quarantine should also not be like going to prison. We British and have lived here 9 years and this place in the troodos was an absolute disgrace according to everyone. No food, no hot water for washing yourselves or any underwear. Put in rooms with other people, my wife slept on a very hard couch and the one blanket she was given shhato lie ON as the couch was so uncomfortable which meant she was cold all night. My wife has been clinically depressed for many years, and whilst being locked on board for hours, she had a panic attack. I was in constant contact with her by mobile and tried desperately to find some help within the airport. Could not find anyone to help me except two very nice ladies from the airport shop who advised on different areas to enquire but to no avail. The policies in their office just shouted me down and walked away, as l tried to explain my wife, on the plane, needed medical assistance. The one shop lady told me later that there were newspaper reporters outside so directed me to them. The other lady from the shop, later, directed my to where the bus was herding the passenger on for the Troodos nightmare that was come.
That flew from Gatwick, London at about 2.45pm GMT, when it was 4.45pm Cyprus time. It could not have flown 2,000 miles before 6pm deadline in Cyprus. Someone, somewhere has to be to responsible for this almighty cock up.
Then, after 3 hours, I drive 100 miles home!