The Republic of Cyprus will cover the cost of laboratory tests for COVID-19 for enclaved Greek Cypriots and Maronites, and for those who resettled in their Turkish-occupied villages, ahead of the reopening of crossing points this Sunday.

In statements to CNA, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou referred to the decision taken earlier on Friday, to reopen crossing points on June 21, and said that the Republic of Cyprus will cover the cost for PCR tests for the enclaved and those who resettled in the Karpas peninsula and the Maronite villages who want to cross from and to the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus. People who fall in these categories should contact his office for further assistance, he added.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Ministerial Committee responsible for the handling of the coronavirus pandemic, under the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades. Deputy Government Spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas said after the meeting that crossing to and from the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus will be possible through all crossing points, except the crossing point at Ledra Street. He said that those passing through are required to present a certificate saying that they are COVID-19 negative, that is no older than 72 hours prior to their crossing.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led reunification talks have so far failed to yield a positive outcome.

President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci arrived on May 21 at a mutual understanding to allow passage of certain groups of people from crossing points. People who wish to pass must show a negative COVID-19 test, to have taken place 72 hours prior to their crossing.

The “authorities” of the Turkish Cypriot puppet regime have prohibited all crossings from mid-March. On April 11 the prohibition expanded to include the diplomatic corps and members of the UN.

The Republic of Cyprus’ Cabinet had decided on February 28 to suspend the operation of four crossing points (Ledras Street, Astromeritis, Lefka and Dherynia), as a precaution against COVID-19 continuing however to allow crossing in another five crossing points taking all necessary precautions.