A new decree issued by Health Minister, Constantinos Ioannou, was published on Tuesday in the official gazette of the Republic of Cyprus, after decisions taken earlier by the Council of Ministers as regards the measures aiming to containe of the spread of  COVID-19. According to the decree from December 14 to December 21, a total of 2,903 COVID-19 cases have been recorded,

The decree said that measures announced on 9 December 2020 are  extended until 10 January 2021. On December 24, movement will be allowed until 11 p.m. and on New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m. with the maximum of 10 people gathering in homes, including minors.

Moreover on the 25th of December 2020 and on 6th January 2021, church services shall be performed with the presence of a maximum number of 75 congregants, provided that the measure of one person per 3 sq.m. is upheld and in accordance with the square meters of the site.

As noted in the decree, despite the measures that have been taken, from December 14 to December 21, a total of 2,903 COVID-19 cases were recorded, while the average number of patients treated in hospitals has been between 115 to 125 per day.

During the same period 15 deaths of patients were recorded, with COVID-19 being their final cause of death. Approximately 9 out of 10 cases are local infections and the percentage of positive tests is approximately 5%, which is higher than the safe limit of 4% determined by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.