Cyprus is bringing back an island-wide, overnight curfew in a bid to curb a surge of new COVID-19 infections that authorities worry could overburden the country’s health care system.
The curfew, which is to take effect Friday, orders bars, restaurants, shopping malls and cafes to shut by 10:30 p.m.
The only exceptions to the curfew will be for anyone who’s on the job and for emergency medical reasons. A 10-person maximum for gatherings at home or any public space — except in bars and restaurants — is part of the effort.
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou also announced a ban on all kids’ sports and social activities, and the closure of indoor and outdoor playgrounds as well as gyms.
The health ministry on Wednesday announced 166 new coronavirus cases after 3,529 tests and cases since March now reaching 5,100.
The ministry said 63 were contacts of previously confirmed cases, tracked by the contact tracing team. An additional 65 cases were detected through 1,003 tests conducted privately.
President Nicos Anastasiades warned in a televised address that the spread of the coronavirus is on the verge of getting out of hand.
Sourced By: Associated Press
