Elementary and final-year secondary school students return to school today, while retail businesses also resume operations, including malls and department stores in Cyprus in the framework of the second phase of a gradual lifting of measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

In particular, elementary school and final year secondary school students, including technical schools return to class; retail businesses, including department stores and malls resume operations; bookmakers also open but without the use of chairs and tables; museums and other archaeological sites also open; religious services are allowed with up to 50 attendees; the number of people allowed to visit a household increases to 4.

Theatres and cinemas also start operations, while the new decree issued by the Minister of Health also provides for a gradual return to sports activities.

The first phase of relaxation started on February 1st with the reopening of barbershops, hairdressers and beauty salons, an increase from 25% to 50% in the percentage of personnel who are allowed a physical presence in private service businesses, without a minimum and maximum number of people and the up to two persons allowed to visit a household, provided they are 1st and 2nd degree relatives.