A travel ban to, from and between the districts of Limassol and Paphos came into force at 8pm Thursday and will last until November 30 – an extraordinary measure aimed at containing the inter-district spread of the coronavirus.
Police, assisted by the army are setting up checkpoints on highways and roads between the two districts; they will commence checking vehicles as of noon on Friday. The extra time was given to give individuals exempted from the ban to obtain the necessary paperwork.
The decree specifies and clarifies the circumstances under which certain individuals are exempt from the restrictions and can still travel to, from and between the districts of Limassol and Paphos.
Exempt from the cross-district travel (Limassol and Paphos) are truck drivers transporting finished goods or raw materials; they must carry with them consignment documentation.
Also, persons who work at construction sites, oil facilities, in the food and agriculture industry, or for companies manufacturing medicines. Persons needed for emergency repairs of machinery are allowed to travel, as are media people with a valid journalist’s ID and a permission from their employer.
Likewise exempt from the ban on travel – provided they have a permission signed by their employer – are persons working in the following areas of activity: supply of electricity; water supply; telecommunications; safe operation of air transport and air traffic control; operation of prisons; repairs or maintenance of gear and electromechanical installations of the police, the fire department and the National Guard; secure operation of harbour traffic; and secure operation of waste management.
Travel is also allowed for persons traveling to or from the Larnaca and Paphos international airports; they must carry with them their travel ticket indicating the passenger’s name, the date issued and the flight details.
The transport of freight from and to the port of Limassol, the port of Larnaca, Larnaca airport, and Paphos airport – whatever the origin and destination of the trip – is permitted, provided the driver can produce the consignment note.
Also allowed are parcel deliveries and private security services among all districts. Athletes and sports clubs competing either in the first division or for the national team may travel for training purposes or for competition.
Buses and taxis may travel to, from and between all districts.
Divorced or separated parents with the relevant court papers may travel to and from Limassol and Paphos to visit their children.
As of 5am on Wednesday November 18, all those persons exempt from the travel restrictions will additionally be required to display a negative PCR [coronavirus] test that has been issued at most seven days prior to the date of travel.
In Limassol and Paphos districts, a curfew is also in place from 8pm to 5am. Elsewhere, the curfew runs from 11pm to 5am. These measures, too, last until November 30.
