New Cyprus Covid-19 Measures Announced

(a) From 16th December 2021, the vaccination against Covid-19 of children aged 5-11 years, with the vaccinations being carried out in Maternity Protection and Child Welfare Centres of the Ministry of Health in all provinces.

(b) From December 15th 2021 to January 15 2022, vaccinated individuals reported as close contacts of a confirmed positive case are required to undergo a rapid antigen detection test within 72 hours and on the 7th day a free PCR laboratory examination through public clinics. Excluded are those who received the booster/3rd dose of vaccine.

(c) From 15 December 2021, the mandatory restriction of individuals whose positive sample sequencing examination concerns the Omicron strain or any possible future mutation, in areas to be designated by the Ministry of Health. It is understood that the contacts of the specific cases are obliged to remain in self-isolation, regardless of vaccination coverage, following the protocol of the Ministry of Health

(d) The review on 15th of January 2022 of the previous decision of the Council of Ministers to abolish the SafePass for those persons who do not receive the booster/3rd dose of vaccine against Covid-19 after 6 + 1 months. It is clarified that for individuals who have passed the period of 7 months from the second dose of the vaccine for the two-dose vaccines and for the single-dose vaccine, for Safe Pass purposes they should undergo a 72-hour PCR laboratory test and a 48-hour rapid antigen detection test.

(e) From 15th December 2021, the exemption from the mandatory SafePass possession control through the CovScan Cyprus application of persons who have been proven and after a decision of the Medical Council not recommended to be vaccinated. These individuals should present the special card issued by the Ministry of Health and at the same time a Rapid laboratory test or PCR test on a weekly basis with a negative result.

(f) From 15th December 2021 until 31 January 2022, entry to social events such as weddings, christenings and dining venues shall be permitted only to persons who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, provided that they possess a negative result of PCR laboratory test or Rapid test for rapid antigen detection. The previous decision of the Council of Ministers also applies to the following spaces: indoor and outdoor stadiums, theatres, cinemas, music and dance centres, entertainment centres and restaurants.

(g) The cancellation unless the sanitary protocols of the Christmas events organised by companies, organisations and unions are followed indoors and outdoors.

(h) From 15th December 2021, passengers arriving in the Republic of Cyprus are required to undergo a rapid antigen Rapid test after 72 hours from the date of arrival. The rapid antigen test will be provided free of charge through the sampling points of the Ministry of Health, presenting the boarding pass and identification document (identity card, passport). Excluded are those who received the booster/3rd dose of vaccine.

(i) From 15th December 2021, the reduction of the time period to 5 months and two weeks instead of 6 months, for the administration of the booster/3rd dose of vaccine

13/12/2021