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New travel advice for COVID–19

11/03/2020 09:26

The health and safety of the staff of the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Cyprus abroad, as well as the members of their families and the public visiting them, is a priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry`s spokesperson, Demetris Samuel, told CNA on Tuesday, asked about the protective measures taken at the diplomatic missions against the COVID-19, especially in high-risk countries.
 
As he said the Ministry sends recommendations, instructions and updates on the COVID-19 to Cyprus` diplomatic missions abroad.
 
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in constant communication with the diplomatic missions of Cyprus abroad, receiving real-time updates on the situation and the measures taken in their countries of accreditation to deal with coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued on Tuesday an updated travel advice on the COVID-19 epidemic informs Cypriot citizens who are or are planning to travel abroad that due to the continued transmission of the coronavirus disease in various countries, they should avoid traveling to / countries that have experienced a large number of cases and generally limit their travel to the necessary.
 
Countries / regions with a high spread of COVID – 19  include the Republic of China (especially the Hubei Province) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Iran, Japan, the Italy and Singapore.

It is also noted that Italy and Israel have completely banned the entry and exit on their territory.
 
The  Ministry’s of Health updated travel guidelines regarding persons having travelled within the past 14 days, based on the categorized countries of origin are as follows:
Category I: Compulsory isolation under medical supervision (quarantine) at home, if possible, or at premises managed by the Ministry of Health
-           Hubei province, China
-           Italy
-           Iran
-           Republic of Korea
Category II: Compulsory isolation at home, or at premises managed by the Ministry of Health for 14 days under telephone supervision. Avoid close contact and travel, maintain basic hygiene rules, monitor and report symptoms with the Coronavirus call centre at 1420
-           China (excluding Hubei province)
-           Japan
-           Hong Kong
-           Germany
-           France
-           Spain
-           Greece
-           United Kingdom
 
Category III: Self-monitor and in case symptoms occur, contact the Coronavirus call centre at 1420. Adhere to basic hygiene rules, restricting travel unless absolutely necessary
-       Switzerland
-       Netherlands
-       Sweden
-       Belgium
-       Singapore

Detailed instructions for people who are in self-isolation or in quarantine can be found here: https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/.
All passengers in categories I and II will be directed to the airport medical centre, while passengers in ports will remain in their cabins.

Citizens of the Republic of Cyprus temporarily or residing in, or intending to move to, the above countries / regions are urged to be particularly careful, to follow the local and international media on COVID-19 and the relevant instructions of the authorities of each country.

Cypriot citizens who are or intend to travel abroad for any reason are encouraged to visit the website www.oikade.gov.cy to sign up for the voluntary registration system for Cypriot citizens.