NICOSIA — Open to tourists again after the end of a lockdown aimed at preventing the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, Cyprus’ government is looking for bidders who can provide test kits that give quick results to avoid putting tourists in quarantine.
The government had said it would pay the costs for people who visit the country and come down with the virus as an incentive for them to come, with worries they will stay away out of fear of catching COVID-19.
Tourists who test positive will be required to spend at least a night in quarantine and Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said rapid tests that produce results within 90 minutes could negate the idea of quarantine, said Kathimerini Cyprus.
He told the House Transport Committee in Parliament that those coming from countries that can’t provide verifiable proof the passengers are safe will be tested when they land.
Despite the government saying it would pick up the tab for COVID-19 arrivals, he said it won’t and that the passenger will pay for the test and a hotel or accommodation if needed to be quarantined.
Karousos explained that the Health Ministry had launched a tender for bidders who said they need 20-30 days to bring in the equipment for rapid testing and that while new bids are being sought the government will keep in place procedures that could find people quarantined.
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