As of Tuesday morning, the regime in the breakaway northern part of divided Cyprus closed crossings between the two sides and imposed stricter quarantine rules under the pretext that it wants to contain the coronavirus spread.
This means that people working in the free areas of the island cannot cross over. And that relatives of Greek Cypriots enclaved in the Turkish-held area cannot spend Christmas with their loved ones.
The quarantine period for people entering the occupied north is now between seven and 10 days, while those who want to visit must now present a negative PCR test certificate not older than three days.
Trade under the Green Line Regulation is also affected by the new rules which are in effect until December 25. This also concerns taxi drivers transporting passengers.
Students and those who are under medical treatment in the Republic of Cyprus are exempt from the new measures.
Cyprus News Agency also reported that the new measures do not affect residents from the Tylliria region who use Limnitis checkpoint for access to Nicosia.