Cyprus is set to reintroduce some face mask rules just a month after scrapping them amid a surge in Covid-19 cases. There has been an uptick in infections in several countries, with a report last Friday saying one in 18 Scots were estimated to have had the virus in the week ending June 24.
Cyprus scrapped all Covid entry rules from June 1 and announced its mask mandate will be scrapped in most places. They have now rolled back their easing of restrictions following 10,879 new cases of COVID-19 for the week ending July 1.
Under the reinstated rules, people will have to wear a face mask in indoor areas, a rule which will come into effect on Friday and could lead to a €300 fine if ignored. Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela said experts recommended the step after a number of infections from people who were not taking proper precautions.
The latest travel guidance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for Cyprus states: "As of 8 July 2022, the use of a face mask is compulsory in all indoor venues and on all public transport for everyone aged 12 and above. Failure to comply with restrictions may result in a €300 fine."
This comes as many popular holiday destinations continue to loosen restrictions, such as Portugal and Croatia, ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer season. This move by Cyprus, however, may be a sign of what is to come with temporary restrictions put in place to curb the highly infectious Omicron sub variants BA4 and BA5.
UK Health Security (UKHSA) officials say that the variants potentially have a growth advantage over the currently dominant BA2 Omicron strain. Health experts have warned that this could impact holidays, although for the most part countries have stayed firm in a recent relaxing of restrictions.
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran believes more countries might reintroduce restrictions on UK arrivals. The chair of Westminster’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus told the Mirror yesterday: “It is possible that holiday plans will be ruined due to rising Covid rates in the UK.
“Other countries could reintroduce restrictions on arrivals from Britain and transport companies, already in crisis from the Government’s mishandling of Brexit and industrial action, are likely to see an increase in staff shortages with more people off sick with the virus and Long Covid.”
Are you concerned about Covid-19 rules coming back into place ahead of your holiday? Let us know in the comments.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
