The Cyprus government announced a controversial new measure that would reopen businesses and return some liberties to the island nation’s citizens by introducing a “Coronapass” system.
The European country’s cabinet decided on May 5, 2021 that most businesses will be allowed to reopen with the pass. Residents, upon showing their Coronapass, would be authorized to enter restaurants, churches, sports games, gyms, shops, and other venues starting May 10, but a night curfew will remain, Cyprus Mail reported.
The Coronapass indicates proof of a negative test for COVID-19 within the past 72 hours, vaccination three weeks prior, or having been infected with the virus within the past six months.
“Lockdowns are not the solution; we cannot keep the economy and society shut for too long,” said Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou, the Financial Mirror reported.
“We need to cooperate, learn to live in a new reality, follow the measures and stay safe. Otherwise, we will constantly have the same problems.”
Beauticians and hairdressers won’t need the pass to operate, and meetings in public areas such as parks and beaches will be permitted as long as the number is fewer than 10, regardless of age, with no need for a pass.
The Coronapass will be required at religious venues, dinners, weddings, and other outdoor receptions with a 200 limit for seated attendees from May 17, and on June 1, events will be allowed indoors, as long as people show their pass.
Private businesses can operate with 30 percent of their staff’s attendance, and 50 percent on May 17, if they have the pass.
Theaters and Cinemas can run with a maximum of 50 people in attendance until May 17, after which 30 percent of their capacity will be permitted indoors, under the same condition.
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