By Bejay Browne.
(Correct at the time of going to press)
In an address to the nation, President Nicos Anastasiades announced a gradual easing of lockdown measures in two stages, starting from May 4. Further relaxations will be allowed from May 21.
The relaxations relate to sectors of the economy and movement of people.
From May 4, people will be allowed three movements from their house a day with the relevant SMS permission. There will be no restrictions on movement from May 21.
His speech was positive, but he also stressed the importance of the public’s compliance with measures going forward.
“I will repeat, with the same insistence (as his April 16 speech) that the distance we need to cover remains unfortunately, long. Nonetheless, the progress which continues to be made, allows us to implement the first phases of the strategy we have adopted for the gradual easing of restrictive measures.”
He added that any progress or the risk of backtracking, on what has been achieved so far, depends on our behaviour.
“I feel really proud of the responsible attitude the political powers and the social partners display, of the excellence of our scientists, the self-sacrifice of the health professionals and all those who are on the front line. In particular, though, all of you for your remarkable patience and discipline to the unprecedented measures imposed on citizens who, by their nature, have learnt to live freely.”
The cabinet has taken into consideration the proposals of the scientific team, the recommendations of the European Commission and the World Health Organisation (WHO), and decided on the first two phases for the gradual lifting of restrictions, which begin on May 4 and May 21 respectively.
First phase:
MAY 4
Economy
As of May 4, restrictions in the manufacturing sector and in all related business activities which support this sector are lifted.
All retail businesses, except malls and large department stores, can start operating, whilst practicing all safety and health protocols.
Street markets and bazaars can open for business, under the terms and conditions included in the relevant instructions of the Minister of Health.
Tourist offices and tourist agents can reopen.
Public Sector
May 4
Full operation of public sector; return of all employees to work except for vulnerable groups and those who have to look after children up to 15 years old. Both groups must carry out assignments given to them from home.
This allows courts to resume subject to instructions to be issued by the Supreme Court
Education
May 11
Final year students in secondary education will return to school.
The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth will make the relevant announcement about all the other educational levels. Education through teleconferencing will continue until the full operation of school units.
Public Health
Restrictions on public and private hospitals will be partially lifted and will continue depending on the instructions of the Ministry of Health.
Dental services will resume operation.
Personal Freedom
Citizens will be permitted three SMS a day for movement
Curfew from 10 pm to 6 am
Religion
May 4
Praying will be permitted in churches, mosques and other places of worship, provided that there are no more than 10 persons present.
The decree on weddings, christenings and funerals remains in force.
June 1
Church services and other forms of worship will be permitted, provided that all protocols on hygiene, as determined by the Ministry of Health, are followed.
The same applies for weddings, christenings, and funerals
Personal fitness
Personal exercise is permitted (jogging, swimming in the sea, bicycling etc.) outdoors, walkways in parks, in groups of not more than two persons. Underage children are not included in the above number.
Parks, playgrounds and other open spaces, will remain closed.
Sport
May 4 – Opening of sport facilities for high performance athletes
May 18 – Training of teams to be allowed
May 21 – All restrictions on movement to be lifted
Freedom to use parks, play areas in open areas, squares, marinas, provided gatherings are not more than 10 people
Catering establishments reopen only outside, based on strict protocols to be issued by the Labour Ministry
Hairdressers, barbers and beauticians to open
From June 1
Access to and operation of organised beaches
Ports will begin full operation with the exception of disembarkation of passengers from cruise ships
Libraries, museums, archaeological and historical sites will reopen
Betting shops will resume business
