Cyprus’ Ministry of Health has issued a decree banning all house visits as of today until January 10, 2021, with the exception of New Year’s Eve, and has imposed working from home in the public sector and advised the private sector to follow suit.

According to a press release, due to the adverse epidemiological situation in Cyprus and in an effort to contain the coronavirus, the presence of persons in a house other than the permanent residents is prohibited from 1800 local time on December 29 until January 10.

The Ministry of Health says exceptions are permitted for providing care to minors and persons with disabilities in the case that the physical presence of their parents and guardians at their workplace is necessary. All measures of personal protection must be observed.

On December 31, up to ten persons are allowed in a house, including the permanent residents and minors, as long as the persons are from only two families.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health reminds the restrictions for outdoor activities:
No gatherings exceeding two persons, excluding minors accompanying their parents, in public and private places, such as parks, squares, dams, picnic sites, beaches, pavements, marinas etc.
No mass or other events, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, concerts, festivals, Christmas markets and other events in public and private places.
Any violations can be reported to the Police, the authority which will be monitoring the implementation of the measures, at the following telephone numbers: 1460, 22606803 and 22606804.

Furthermore, in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus in workplaces, from December 30 till January 10 the public and broader public sector will be working with skeleton staff to deal with emergencies. The remaining staff will be working from home.

The private sector is urged to do the same, wherever possible.

A relevant decree will be issued within the day.