AP reports from Nicosia that Cyprus’ president unveiled a road-map Wednesday for gradually lifting a strict, stay-at-home order over the next month that has until now helped to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Restrictions on movement will start to be rolled back on May 4, with the maximum number of allows excursions outside the home increased from once per day to three. A nighttime curfew will stay in place until restrictions are completely lifted on May 21, when restaurants, hair and beauty salons will also reopen.
June 1 will see public beaches open to bathers, while museums, libraries and archaeological sites will start accepting visitors. Ports will also then be allowed to commence operating although no cruise ship passengers will be allowed to disembark.
The Cypriot president made no mention of when airports will become fully operational in the tourism-reliant country. A ban on all flights remains in effect until May 17.
Tourism directly accounts for 13% of the east Mediterranean island nation’s gross domestic product. Government officials say the country is estimated to lose at least 1.5 billion euros ($1.63 billion) or nearly 60% of its tourism-generated revenue this year.
Cyprus, with a population of around 880,000, to date counts 843 confirmed coronavirus cases and 15 fatalities.
Read the full report at thenationalherald.com
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