Coronavirus: ministry clarifies priorities on serving vulnerable groups

The health ministry on Monday issued clarifications about which shops must only serve people over 60 and  those with disabilities until 9am as part of measures against the spread of coronavirus.

According to the ministry, supermarkets, fruit and vegetable markets, mini markets, butcher shops, fish markets and pharmacies in all districts must only serve people over 60 and those with disabilities from the time they open until 9am.

The ministry clarified that this arrangement does not concern bakeries, kiosks or other businesses where customers are served over a shorter period of time.

This arrangement was announced by Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou last Saturday after the government introduced an additional set of measures to curb the upward trend observed in recent weeks.

The ministry also said that 1420 call centre continues to operate but only for reporting urgent Covid-19 cases.

Due to the increased number of telephone calls received by the ambulance service’s 1420 call centre, regarding questions of a general nature, the ministry pointed out that 1420 operates only for reporting Covid-19 emergencies.

For general information about coronavirus, such as protocols and guidelines, members of the public may call 1412 between 8 am and 8 pm from Monday to Friday or send an email at [email protected] .

More information may also be found at https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/ .

The ministry also recalls that in cases of development of symptoms such as fever, cough, myalgias, shortness of breath, anosmia, loss of taste or unpleasant taste, members of the public should contact their family physician (GP)

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