Press Releases

Following the decision of the Council of Ministers, dated 2 July, it is reminded that as of August 1, only the following categories of citizens can be served at the mobile rapid testing units that will operate through the programme of the Ministry of Health:

• Minors up to 17 years old. It is understood that children aged 12-17 who do not have the consent of their parents/legal guardians for vaccination may carry out a rapid test free of charge through the programme of the Ministry of Health.
• Persons aged 18 and over who cannot be vaccinated, provided they possess a medical certificate, and after their request is examined by the ad-hoc committee of the Cyprus Medical Association and the Ministry of Health and a relevant approval is issued, which must be presented at the testing units. The procedure is available at the link: https://bit.ly/3rPq3wA.
• Pregnant women who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, provided they possess a medical certificate from their gynaecologists. It is clarified that, from 1 to 7 August, pregnant women will be able to present a medical certificate to the testing units from their Gynaecologist confirming that vaccination is not recommended. From 8 August onwards, the procedure for obtaining the relevant approval from the Cyprus Medical Association and the Ministry of Health should be followed.
• Persons who have been vaccinated with the 1^st dose of the vaccine, for the three-week period that they are obliged to be tested as a precondition for the issuance of a SafePass. For verification purposes the Vaccination Card must be presented.
• Persons who have completed their vaccination scheme, but wish to take tests for health monitoring purposes or for other reasons. It is understood that the Vaccination Card must be presented.
• Persons holding a COVID-19 recovery certificate within the last 180days, but wish to take tests for health monitoring purposes or for other reasons. It is understood that the recovery certificate must be presented.

It is reminded that all citizens are required to carry proof of identity (e.g. Identity Card, Driver’s Licence, Passport, etc.), for identification purposes.

Citizens who do not fall into the above population groups, for the purpose of obtaining a SafePass, may perform, at their own expense, a rapid antigen test in private clinical laboratories or pharmacies. It is noted that, according to the Decree, no. 32, dated July 30, 2021, as of August 1, the maximum charge for the performance of rapid antigen tests is set at 10 euros.

More information is available at the link: https://bit.ly/3rNfUQQ.

(EK)