Cyprus is pledging to cover all costs for anyone testing positive for the coronavirus while on vacation on the eastern Mediterranean island nation, according to a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The Cypriot government says it will cover lodging, food, drink and medication for COVID-19 patients and their families. Patients will only have to pay for the taxi ride to the airport and the flight back home.
A 100-bed hospital will cater exclusively to foreign travelers who test positive. About 112 intensive care units equipped with 200 respirators will be reserved for critically-ill patients. A 500-room “quarantine hotel” will be reserved for patients’ family members and other close contacts.
Rows of closed parasols on a nearly empty stretch of Nissi beach with a few beachgoers in the distance in Cyprus' seaside resort of Ayia Napa, a favorite among tourists from Europe and beyond, on Wednesday, May 13 2020. With coronavirus restrictions gradually lifting, Cyprus authorities are mulling ways to get holidaymakers back to the tourism-reliant island nation that officials say is estimated to lose 70% of its annual tourist arrivals. (AP PhotoPetros Karadjias)
The pledge came in a five-page letter dated Tuesday that was sent out to governments, airlines and tour operators outlining strict health and hygiene protocols that the government is enacting to woo visitors to the tourism-reliant country.
Tourism directly accounts for 13% of Cyprus’ economy. This year, the country expects to lose as much as 70% of the 2.6 billion euros ($2.85 billion) in tourism-generated revenue.
The letter, signed by Cyprus’ foreign affairs, transport and tourism ministers, boasts that the country has one of the lowest coronavirus ratios per capita in Europe after having tested more than 10% of its population.
A woman wearing a mask sits with friends at a coffee shop at Ledra street a main shopping street in Nicosia, Cyprus, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Cyprus took a major step toward a return to normality on Thursday when most restrictions of a two month-long stay-at-home order were lifted, allowing primary school kids to return to classes and hair salons and outdoor cafeterias to re-open. (AP PhotoPetros Karadjias)
International air travel to Cyprus begins June 9, initially from 19 countries, with passengers required to undergo a COVID-19 test three days prior to departure. That measure will be lifted June 20 for 13 countries, including Germany, Finland, Israel, Greece and Norway.
Officials say travel will be expanded to more countries depending on a constant evaluation of their infection rates.
Passengers will have to show their test certificate prior to boarding an aircraft and may have to wear masks throughout the flight. Their temperature will be taken on arrival to Cyprus and some random testing may take place at no cost to the traveler.
A couple walk on Ledra street a main shopping street as a Greek flag is seen on a Tavern in central Capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, May 25, 2020. Cyprus took a major step toward a return to normality on Thursday when most restrictions of a two month-long stay-at-home order were lifted, allowing primary school kids to return to classes and hair salons and outdoor cafeterias to re-open. (AP PhotoPetros Karadjias)
Tourists will also have to fill out a “COVID-19 Traveler Declaration” stating all their travels 14 days prior to their Cyprus trip and that they have neither shown any coronavirus symptoms for 72 hours before departure nor that they have been in contact with infected people 14 days before.
While in Cyprus, people who aren’t in the same travel group are obliged to keep apart at least two square meters (21 square feet) outdoors and three square meters (32 square feet) indoors.
Regularly disinfected sunbeds will be two meters (6.5 feet) apart for people not belonging to the same travel group.
CORRECTING DAY TO MONDAY - People walk on Ledra street a main shopping street in Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday May 25, 2020. Cyprus took a major step toward a return to normality on Monday when most restrictions of a two month-long stay-at-home order were lifted, allowing primary school kids to return to classes and hair salons and outdoor cafeterias to re-open. (AP PhotoPetros Karadjias)
Hotel staff will be obliged to wear masks with rooms being disinfected after every departure. At restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs, tables will be at least two meters (6.5 feet) apart with a maximum party size of 10. Guests will be encouraged to pay by card instead of cash.
It’s unclear what the exact protocols will be for nightclubs.
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