Police chief Kypros Michaelides said on Monday that police are out in force to ensure compliance with decrees aimed at containing the spread of coronavirus.
In remarks to CNA, he said that Nicosia, Famagusta and Larnaca were showing signs of ‘lack of discipline’ while in Aradippou and Paphos there was concern among residents because of the disproportionately high number of Covid-19 cases in their community.
The police leadership at HQ and the districts today discussed implementation of the measures by teleconference, with Michaelides telling CNA that one of the issues raised was the fear people may become complacent because of the guarded note of optimism heard from scientists yesterday during the announcement of the number of new cases.
Police are not letting up on their checks and will continue to strictly implement the decrees, he warned.
He spoke of a certain lack of discipline in Famagusta, Nicosia and Larnaca and higher concern in Paphos and Aradippou. Police have adapted their patrols accordingly, he added.
Most people have complied, but regrettably it only takes a few to cause damage, which is why strict enforcement must continue, he said.
Police checks have also been focused on premises such as supermarkets, kiosks, bakeries, pharmacies and banks as well as gatherings in houses.
People were continuing to gather in houses despite a decree stipulating that only residents can be at each home. Michaelides said police were handling these cases ‘with special care’ as they have no right to enter a home without a court warrant.
No such warrant has yet needed to be obtained, he said. What police do is that people are asked to exit their homes and give an explanation, in cases where complaints have been lodged. If their explanation is not convincing they are booked and fined, Michaelides said.
Thousands booked for breaking Covid-19 decrees since measures introduced
