MEASURES TAKEN AT CYPRUS' AIRPORTS TO REDUCE PASSENGER CONGESTION

in-cyprus 3 August 2020 - by Maria Bitar

A number of measures were decided on Monday in order to avoid passenger congestion observed at the airports, Yiannis Karousos, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works said.

In statements after a broad meeting that took place at the airport of Larnaka, the Minister said that they decided to significantly increase police presence, reduce the length of stay of passengers at the airports, while they will reopen express kiosks so that passengers can be served faster.

He said that passenger traffic at the airports is increasing every day and today it stands at 8,500 passengers, arrivals and departures, a day.

Karousos said that in addition the Ministry of Health will increase the number of nurses and services, in order to intensify checks of passenger certificates, especially those coming from the UK.

“Yesterday we had around 50 arrivals at the airports, and everything ran smoothly without any problems”, he said, adding that if necessary they will take other measures.

He noted that the call centre, set up to answer questions from passengers, received 12,000 phone calls in the first two days, which, as he said, shows the interest of passengers to travel to Cyprus.

The Minister noted that measures taken at the airports such as country categorisations, airport checks and thermal cameras have proven to be effective.

Chief of Police Stelios Papatheodorou said that the police will be in daily contact with the management company of the airports so that airports and passport controls are adequately staffed.

Eleni Kalogirou, Chief Executive Officer of Hermes Airports, said that the airports are ready to receive all passengers.

“We have taken all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of the passengers”, she said.

Source: CNA

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SPECIAL ENTRY PERMIT TO CYPRUS - REQUIREMENT APPLIES TO THOSE FROM CATEGORY C COUNTRIES ONLY

To avoid confusion, the special entry permit should not be confused with the Cyprus Flight Pass.  The Cyprus Flight Pass must be completed by anyone entering Cyprus.    The Special Entry Permit should only be completed by those wishing to come to Cyprus from countries in Category C.

Press announcement by the Ministry of the Interior on obtaining a Special Entry Permit to the Republic of Cyprus

The Ministry of the Interior announces that the requirement for obtaining a Special Entry Permit to the Republic of Cyprus applies only to persons coming from countries not falling into Categories A and B, in accordance with country categorization based on risk assessment, as these are announced by the Ministry of Health concerning the following cases: (a)  First degree relatives of persons who reside lawfully in the Republic and/or are economically active in the Republic (husband, children, parents) for purposes of family reunion. (b) Persons, regardless of nationality, whose arrival in the Republic is necessary for the purpose of implementing public projects or for honouring other important professional commitments.  Requests for the granting of a Special Entry Permit by the Committee must be submitted on-line through the platform www.CyprusFlightPass.gov.cy  following the relevant link in connection with the Special Entry Permit to the Republic of Cyprus. In the case where an approval has been obtained for the granting of a Special Entry Permit to the Republic of Cyprus, a password will be sent to you by email, to be used in filing an application for the issue of a CyprusFlightPass through the special internet electronic platform of the Republic of Cyprus. Given the large volume of applications it is emphasized that the persons wishing to come to Cyprus should make all the necessary arrangements timely in order to obtain all the required approvals and permits with the least delay possible. All those wishing to travel to the Republic of Cyprus are urged to obtain the required special entry permit first before making travel arrangements with airline companies. ( DC )

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The Death and Funeral of Johannes Count von Mirbach-Geldern-Egmont, Prince zu Hohenlohe-Jagstberg

On 6 July 2020, Count Johannes von Mirbach-Geldern-Egmont, Prince zu Hohenlohe-Jagstberg, died as a result of contracting COVID-19. Johannes was eighty-one years-old.

Fürst Johannes zu Hohenlohe-Bartenstein and Archduchess Anna of Austria.

The Hohenlohe-Jagstberg siblings (right to left): Maria Rosa, Karl, Albrecht, Elizabeth, Margarethe, and Friedrich August.

Prince Johannes Maria Carl Alfons Friedrich Leopold zu Hohenlohe-Jagstberg was born at Haltenbergstetten on 2 December 1939. Johannes was the second child and son of Fürst Albrecht zu Hohenlohe-Jagstberg (1906-1996) and Countess Therese von Geldern-Egmont (1911-2000), who married in 1936. The paternal grandparents of Johannes were Fürst Johannes zu Hohenlohe-Bartenstein (1863-1921) and Archduchess Anna of Austria (1879-1961).

Embed from Getty Images

The prince had two siblings: Fürst Alexander zu Hohenlohe-Jagstberg (b.1937; married (div.) Princess Michaela von Schönburg-Waldenburg) and Princess Eleonore (b.1940; married Baron Peter von Kap-herr). Johannes was adopted by his maternal uncle Count Ladislaus von Mirbach-Geldern-Egmont (1905-1982).

Prince Johannes zu Hohenlohe-Jagstberg, Count von Marbach-Geldern-Egmont at the wedding of Duchess Fleur of Württemberg in 2003.
Photograph (c) Seeger-Presse.

(Left to right): Count Benedikt von Dürckheim, Princess Andrea, Prince Johannes, and Princess Isabella in 2003 at the wedding of Duchess Fleur of Württemberg.
Photograph (c) Seeger-Presse.

Prince Lamoral and Princess Ruve zu Hohenlohe-Jagstberg.
Photograph (c) Seeger-Presse.

On 22 December 1969 at Haltenbergstetten, Johannes married Andrea Vogel (b.18 October 1944). Andrea is the daughter of Karl Vogel and Ingeborg Schreiber. Johannes and Andrea had two children: Princess Isabella (b.1972) and Prince Lamoral (b.1973). In 2018, Princess Isabella married Burkhard Keese, the CFO of Lloyd's of London. In 2000, Prince Lamoral married Ruve Nevillia Watts (b.1968); the couple have four children: Princess Feodora (b.2002), Princess Franziska (b.2004), Princess Mercedes (b.2007), and Princess Henrietta (b.2009). Prince Lamoral and Princess Ruve live in New South Wales, Australia, with their children. Lamoral is the founder of Mirbach Financial Modelling.

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The funeral for Count Johannes von Mirbach-Geldern-Egmont, Prince zu Hohenlohe-Jagstberg was held privately in July. A memorial service will take place in 2021. Following are photos from the funeral.

May Johannes Rest in Peace.

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CYPRUS AND UK DEFENCE MINISTRIES AGREE ON BILATERAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME

in-cyprus 3 August 2020 - by Maria Bitar

The Defence Ministries of Cyprus and the UK have agreed on a bilateral cooperation program for the period 2020 – 2021 which provides conducting operations in Cyprus and UK soil.

The program signed between the two countries provides for joint search and rescue operations in Cyprus soil and within its exclusive economic zone.

Moreover, Cyprus National Guard officers will have the opportunity to attend classes in Military Academies in the UK.

The two sides said that the agreement reflects their mutual will for further enhancement of the cooperation in the areas of defence and security.

Source: CNA

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CORONAVIRUS - 57 PEOPLE BOOKED FOR BREAKING MEASURES AS CAMPAIGN STEPPED UP

Cyprus Mail 3 August 2020 - by Annette Chrysostomou

In 24 hours from Sunday 6am until Monday 6am, police carried out 1,605 inspections as part of an intensified campaign to enforce measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Most of the violations concerned people who were not wearing masks required in premises.

A total of 23 properties were booked, and 57 individuals: Nicosia: 241 inspections, three premises and 24 individuals booked; Limassol: 532 inspections, six premises and 16 individuals booked; Larnaca: 255 inspections, four premises and two individuals booked; Paphos: 165 inspections, five premises and 10 individuals booked; Famagusta: 261 inspections, five premises booked; Morfou: 151 inspections, five individuals booked.

New stricter regulations came into force on August 1.

According to the health ministry, all people aged six and above have to wear masks in supermarkets, bakeries, department stores, retail stores, shopping malls, churches, betting shops and elevators.

They are also required to wear a mask in churches, pharmacies and during visits to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other health care institutions.

Visits to other premises which serve the public are also included, whether they are in the private or public sector. These include banks, citizen service centres, post offices and the electricity authority.

Those not included in the above list are exempt.

Violations are punishable by a fine of €300, which individuals are liable to pay, not the place they are committing the offence in.

Employees who serve customers have to wear masks as well. This goes for those working in buildings but also for others who are in contact with the public such as bus drivers, deliverymen and couriers.

Construction workers must use disposable masks when travelling by car (the number of people in a car must not exceed two) and when using an elevator.

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JULY RECORDS HIGHEST AVERAGE DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES SINCE 1983

in-cyprus 3 August 2020 - by Maria Bitar

In July 2020 temperatures reached or even exceeded 40°C.

According to a press release by the Press and Information Office, July was the month with the highest average daily maximum temperatures recorded since 1983.

The average daily maximum temperature in July this year was 39.7 °C.

In July the thermometer reached or exceeded 40°C, more times than any other July from 1983 onwards, while during this month most warnings were issued for high temperatures.

Source: CNA

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CORONAVIRUS - CHARGES BEING CONSIDERED AGAINST SPREADER FROM THE US

Cyprus Mail 3 August 2020 - by Evie Andreou

A woman who arrived from the US but failed to self-isolate infecting 14 other people so far is being investigated for possible offences, Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis said on Monday.

Responding to a question on Twitter about the conduct of the woman, the minister said she has been placed in self-isolation and is under supervision.

“A probe is underway through testimonies and the contact tracing process to see if charges can be substantiated against her, and if yes, which ones,” Yiolitis said on Twitter.

“Rest assured that where responsibilities arise on such a serious matter, they will be attributed,” she said.

Yiolitis also said she was waiting for a report from the health ministry about tracing her contacts so she can look into whether a case can be substantiated against her.

She recalled that people found violating the self-isolation decree can be fined €300 or jailed for a year and/or fined up to €50,000.

Six of the 26 new cases announced on Sunday were contacts of the woman.

According to the health ministry, the woman violated her quarantine, “visited various areas, organised and attended a party and a dinner.”

So far, the cluster she started numbers 14 people, in Limassol and also reportedly in Larnaca. Among them is a 13-year-old girl who is being treated at the Makarios children’s hospital, reports said.

Yiolitis also announced on Monday that the police will be conducting intensive random spot checks all over Cyprus to confirm that people from category C countries and close contacts of confirmed patients are indeed self-isolating at the accommodation address they provided upon entry to the country.

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COMING FROM UK AND NEED COVID TEST?

The following may assist those who are coming to Cyprus from the UK and need a Covid test.

Cypriot nationals and permanent residents of Cyprus can take a Covid test on arrival at Larnaca or Paphos, although they will have to pay for the service.

1  NHS test is acceptable.  See below and also see article in Cyprus Mail: https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/07/31/coronavirus-cyprus-will-accept-uk-nhs-negative-tests-with-specific-details/

2  The following test and courier service is available:  https://www.citydoc.org.uk/covid-19-fit-to-fly/?fbclid=IwAR2GQO732esTo_swerfyDJcxom4zz1JOBiHQHMSYFB1WtzY_BvVinpxRMWU

3  UK Government site has useful information:  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus/entry-requirements

5  Internet searching of 'Covid test near me' may bring up possible sites for local and private testing facilities, although cost and quality of service may vary.

And don't forget you will need to complete the Cyprus flight pass:  https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/

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STATE TO SUBSIDISE MORE WORK-SUSPENDED HOTEL EMPLOYEES

in-cyprus 3 August 2020 - by Maria Bitar

The government has decided to increase the minimum amount hotel employees are entitled to in unemployment benefits from €360 to €500 from July onward, and this gives those who have exhausted them a breathing space.

This latest decision affects thousands of employees, especially in the area of Famagusta, who were not participating in Ministry of Labour special schemes, subsidising 60% of salaries.

An employer is now obliged to include them in the suspension work scheme, so that they can get unemployment benefits again in November and not be left penniless in winter, according to Philenews.

Apart from tourism, another important sector that has taken a hit because of the anti- coronavirus measures is that of agriculture – a sector of primary importance for Famagusta region’s villages.

According to Liopetri mayor, Kyriakos Trisokkas, 80-90% of the approximately seven thousand inhabitants of the village depend on agriculture and tourism. And this means that both sectors are already suffering, with the situation getting worse and worse.

Georgios Ttakas, Sotira’s mayor, told Philenews that it is questionable as to how much public finances can withstand.

For now, he added, it seems that people are holding up under the financial strain due to the pandemic but there are messages coming in already that show this will not go on indefinitely as many households are running out of the funds to support themselves.

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SOUVLA LUNCH - Kamares Club - 6 August

SOUVLA LUNCH

Kamares Club

Thursday 6 August 1230-1500

€10pp - must be pre-ordered at Reception or on 26 880576 by Wednesday 5 August.

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