Cyprus is reintroducing mandatory face mask rules as a new wave of Covid sweeps the country.
The rules will come into effect tomorrow across the whole island as the Cypriot government attempts to tackle rising infection numbers. It comes after rules were relaxed over a month ago, however, the country recorded 10,879 new Covid cases in the week ending July 1.
Michalis Hadjipantelas, Cyprus' health minister, confirmed that face coverings will be mandatory once again in all indoor venues and on public transport for those aged 12 and over from July 8. This will also apply to any British holidaymakers in the country who run the risk of receiving a fine in excess of £250 if they do not comply, Wales Online reports.
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The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its website following the changes. It reads: “As of July 8, 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 euros fine.”
It may indicate a similar trend of Covid restrictions at many other popular tourist destinations as the highly infectious Omicron sub-variants BA4 and BA5 spread across Europe. UK Health Security Officials have warned that the variants could grow much quicker than the previous dominant BA2 strain.
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, chair of Westminster's All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus told the Mirror : "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.”
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