Press Releases

Taking into account the data concerning the new strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and in an effort to safeguard Public Health for precautionary reasons and until new clarifications are made by the scientific community, for passengers arriving at Larnaka and Pafos Airports from UK airports, as of today, 21 December 2020, 6.00 p.m. (Cyprus time) the following applies:

1. Passengers will undergo a molecular test upon their arrival at the Airports.
2. All passengers arriving from the United Kingdom will be transferred to hotels provided by the Republic for compulsory 7-day self-isolation. Persons under the age of 18 may self-isolate at their homes. There is the option to stay in isolation in the hotels if they are travelling with their parents/guardians or if this is not possible, they may self-isolate at their homes.
3. On the 7^th day they will undergo a new molecular test and if they receive a negative result, they will continue their self-isolation at home for another 3 days (total self-isolation days: 10).
4. On the 10^th day and provided no symptoms occur, they are automatically released. In case symptoms occur, the GP should be contacted for medical guidance.

It is noted that the cost of transfer and hotel stay is undertaken by the State.

Meanwhile, the samples taken from those who arrived from the UK during the last week and were found positive in the framework of sample testing, will be forwarded to the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics to be evaluated and determined whether the particular mutant strain of coronavirus exists.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Coronavirus, in accordance with the competent EU mechanisms is closely monitoring the developments and any new recommendation/suggestion that may change the above measures, will be announced accordingly.

(EK)