Rules that have allowed Cypriots and permanent residents to opt to do their PCR test on arrival at Larnaca and Paphos airports will change from August 1 to cover only specific groups of the population, the transport ministry said on Monday.

Payments with credit cards will soon be accepted at the 38 health centres under the state health services organisation (Okypy), it was announced on Monday.

Following a decision of the Council of Ministers, on 18 February 2021, regarding the Action Plan for the gradual resumption of flights and the re-opening of airports, the Epidemiological Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Health has made a re-evaluation of the epidemiological situation in various countries as regards Covid-19.

Only vaccinated people, children under 16, and certain vulnerable groups will be entitled to a free rapid antigen test for Covid-19 after the government scraps free testing on 1 August.

EU Finance Ministers have approved Cyprus’ €1.2 billion Recovery and Resilience Plan to exit the pandemic during a scheduled videoconference on Monday.

Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela says while government planning includes preparations for a third jab for vaccinated adults and seniors, the booster shot is subject to approval in Brussels.

Yiannis Karousos, Minister of Transport, Communication and Works presented a general policy framework aiming at boosting electric vehicle (EV) registration to 25% of new registration by 2030, in a bid to reduce Cyprus’ carbon footprint.

Cyprus and Lebanon signed an MoU agreement for cooperation in the oil and gas sector on Friday during a visit by the neighbouring country’s Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Zeina Akar.

Ayia Napa mayor Christos Zannetos have taken an advance dive into the coastal town’s underwater sculpture museum, ahead of its official opening later this month.

Cyprus’ film industry was pitched to major stakeholders with a double showing at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival of two Cypriot productions with a Hollywood flavour.