By Bejay Browne
(Correct at the time of going to press on 31st March)
From 6pm on March 24th until April 13, (at the time of going to press) anyone going outdoors (ONLY ONE TRIP A DAY ALLOWED) must either fill out a printed form explaining the reason (for over 65’s only), or send an SMS to authorities.
The printed forms are available in both Greek and English on the finance ministry website at :
www.mof.gov.cy and on the website of the Press and Information office at www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus
There are two types of forms, an authorisation from your employer which is filled out and signed by them and a second for self-employed.
People may also send an SMS requesting permission to go outside.The SMS must be sent to the number 8998 (no charge).
Type the number from 1 to 8 (see below) for the reason you are going outside; then a space, your ID number, a space, your post code and then send the message.
A reply should come within 10 to 15 seconds, authorising you to be outdoors for a maximum of three hours from the time the permission is granted. You may be stopped by the police and need to show them this.
Everyone must also carry a form of identification at all times when outside – an ID or a passport.
The Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou has also announced an overnight curfew between 9pm and 6am as part of an ongoing fight against the spread of coronavirus. This will apply to everyone except those that work during those hours, they must present a confirmation form signed by their employer.
The fine for disobeying the movement ban is €300.
House visits and gatherings are also banned and only the residents are allowed in each home, and people are only permitted to leave home one a day.
This is only after receiving permission by sending a text message to 8998.
Only those over 65 will be allowed to fill out the printed form.
Supermarkets, butchers, bakeries,and other shops must also close on Sundays, although they may deliver deliver. Only some kiosks may open on Sunday
Only three people are permitted in a vehicle – private and taxis (this includes the driver).
Here are the numbers to type in for your reason to leave the house :
- Visit to a chemist, blood donation center or doctor
- Shopping for first needs (supermarkets, bakeries or kiosks)
- Bank visit (when electronic transactions are not possible)
- Visit to government authorities (only when needed)
- Help to people of vulnerable groups or those in quarantine
- Physical exercise or to walk a pet. Limited to 2 people per time and close to your property
- Funeral, wedding or christening, where there must be less than 10 people
- Anywhere which can be justified, i.e. – a child to parent.
( Number 8 – must also state the reason in your message)
