Answers to frequently asked questions about the decisions of the Council of Ministers, dated 16 July 2021

The Ministry of Health has issued FAQs here in Greek as regards the decisions announced July 16th as follows (Unofficial Translation):

  1. What about organized group camps?

Organized summer group camps, regardless of the age of the participants, suspend their operation immediately, as soon as the current hosting of persons ends, and no later than July 23, 2021.

  1. Does this mean that the operation of the camping sites is suspended?

No, the camps continue to operate on the basis of the health protocol.

  1. How will the restaurants / restaurants, nightclubs, banquets, discos and other entertainment venues function?

The serving of  guests is done exclusively on table seats and the guests must be seated. The maximum number of persons per table is set at 10 people. It is understood that the relevant health protocol and guidelines apply. In any case, dancing is not allowed, regardless of the type of music offered. Excluded from the dance ban are establishments / businesses that only host fully vaccinated individuals or individuals who have a COVID-19 recovery certificate within the past six months. The owner / manager of the premises / company must inform and obtain approval from the Ministry of Health that his/her premises will only accept fully vaccinated persons or persons who have a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months. The update is sent to healthservices@mphs.moh.gov.cy .

  1. What is the maximum number of people that can be found in restaurants, nightclubs, banquets, discotheques and other entertainment venues?

Indoors:

  • 250 people with SafePass allowed, or
  • 450 people, meaning that all people are fully vaccinated or have had COVID-19 in the last 6 months and have a certificate of recovery.

Outdoors:

350 people having to submit SafePass, or

500 people, meaning that all people are fully vaccinated or have had COVID-19 in the last 6 months and have a certificate of recovery.

Businesses / establishments that will choose to host only citizens who have been vaccinated or have had COVID19 for the last 6 months, should make sure that they display this in a prominent place in their business / establishment, as well as inform the citizens, about their decision.

The owner / manager of the premises / company must inform the Ministry of Health in writing that he will only accept fully vaccinated persons or persons who have a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the last six months. The update is sent to healthservices@mphs.moh.gov.cy.

  1. Where is SafePass submission required?

Until 31 July, in all indoor and outdoor areas as well as premises where, in accordance with the distancing measures and adhering to the respective guidelines and health protocols, there is the possibility of gathering more than 20 persons, including employees, the SafePass submission is required for persons aged 12 years and above. Places where SafePass presentation is required include retail, beverage and food retailers, restaurants, nightclubs etc.

The companies / establishments take care to indicate in a prominent space outside their business / premises, the maximum number of customers that are allowed to be in the area. In addition, it is required to state in a prominent space outside their business / establishment, whether or not the presentation of SafePass is required, taking into account both the number of employees and customers.

It is not necessary for example to present a SafePass, in a bakery or mini-market, where based on the square meters, 15 customers are allowed to be present at the time and there are 5 employees.

In a retail store, the presentation of SafePass is required in the event that , based on the square meters, the store is allowed to have 16 customers and 5 employees.

Excluded from the obligation to present SafePass are beaches, parks, dams, squares, nature trails and picnic areas.

  1. Do I have to provide SafePass in places such as Services / Departments of the public and wider public sector and Local Government, as well as private sector companies?

For any kind of visit to Ministries / Services / Departments / Offices of the public, wider public and private sector (including passenger boats) and to the Local Government, the presentation of SafePass is required.

The responsibility for the control of the observance of the measure lies with the respective Head of the Ministry / Service / Department / Office of the public and wider public and the Local Authority or an authorized Officer.

In the private sector, the owner / manager of the company or their authorized Officer is responsible for controlling compliance with the measure.

  1. Is it mandatory to present SafePass on public passenger transport?

Possession of SafePass is essential in public passenger transport (buses, taxis, etc.) by both employees and passengers. More details and guidelines will be announced by the competent Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works.

  1. Is SafePass required in tutoring, social activities and summer schools?

Yes, having SafePass in tutoring, social work and summer schools is a must for anyone 12 years of age or older, including employees.

  1. Who is liable  in case a citizen refuses to present SafePass in the places where it is mandatory to present it?

In cases where a citizen who does not present SafePass in places where possession is mandatory and, despite the recommendations of the person in charge of the premises, refuses to leave the premises / business, the owner / manager of the premises has an obligation to inform the Police so that the  appropriate actions can be taken.

  1. Can I use the European Digital Certificate (EUDigitalCOVIDCertificate – EUDCC) for SafePass purposes?

Yes, you can use the European Digital Certificate for SafePass purposes in places where the presentation of SafePass is mandatory. Citizens must present proof of identification (identity card, passport, ACR) for data verification purposes.

  1. What will apply to nursing homes?

Nursing home visits are only permitted for those with SafePass. SafePass control is the responsibility of nursing home owners / managers.

In addition, it is not recommended for tenants to spend the night outside the nursing home. However, in case of going out for a night outside the nursing home, the tenant must present a negative result from a rapid test with a validity of 24 hours upon his return.