CORONAVIRUS - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MARKET AND A FAIR?

Thank you to Anita Hopkins, In Any Event for the following:

From  Filippos Georgiades, Environmental Health Officer

I would like to inform you with regards to the operation of Fairs and Markets amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to clarify the difference between a Fair and a Market.

A Fair is seen as a Festival for the purpose of the Law, covering measures against the spread of COVID-19, and is therefore prohibited (presently banned).

Markets are defined as places where stallholders sell items. No other activities take place at any of these Markets.

Markets are allowed to operate under the conditions and rules laid out in the guidance instructions published by the Ministry of Health. These are available (in the Greek language only) at the following website: https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/pdf/erg18.pdf

Please note that the instructions refer to Markets that operate Legally under the permit of Local Authorities. The main rules for their operation under the measures against the spread of COVID-19 are as follows:

- Permit required from the local authority [Paphos District Office]

-The Markets shall operate at no more than 50% of their capacity.

-The entrances shall be controlled and no more than one person per 8m3 shall be allowed within the Market.

-Customers shall maintain a distance of 2m from each other and for this purpose there should be suitable placing of signs on each stall.

-There shall be suitable containers with antiseptic liquid/gel placed at the entrances and exits of each Market, at each separate stall, and at the toilets (wherever applicable), for use by the customers visiting the Market.

-Food that is consumed without washing or cooking (e.g. nuts) shall be offered for sale only in a packaged form.

-All persons selling food or any other items at each stall, and all persons working at the Market, shall wear a suitable face mask. Face masks are compulsory also for customers only if the Market is an Indoors Market.

-Diligent and frequent cleaning and disinfection of objects of common use in particular, and generally of all spaces.