A new decree issued by Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou late on Thursday and in force until April 13, sets out criteria for the repatriation of some categories of Cypriots stranded abroad.
It allows the return by charter flights of:
- people who are abroad for a short stay and/or professional reasons provided they possess a certificate issued by the diplomatic missions of Cyprus that is issued on presentation of proof for the reasons of their trip (eg airline tickets, conformation by employer)
- all those who are Cypriot citizens, permanent residents of Cyprus who are abroad for temporary work or who belong to vulnerable groups as defined by the ministry on March 16, as well as their spouse and children. They must have certification following an application to the Cyprus Medical Association ([email protected]) issued by a medical board
- all those who are Cypriot citizens and work or are studying abroad in the event that a parent or sibling is in poor health and their condition is irreversible, or have died in the past 15 days. They must have certification following an application to the Cyprus Medical Association ([email protected]) issued by a medical board
The decree notes that the Republic will charter flights from London or Athens if necessary.
All those returning will be quarantined for 14 days in state facilities. Those who have medical conditions will be able to self-isolate at home, subject to the approval of the minister.
All those returning will be tested for Covid-19.
The decree also extends a ban on public gatherings and the obligation of private hospitals to handle cold cases from public hospitals, thereby freeing up space for coronavirus patients.
