Nicosia should continue fiscal support measures to mitigate Covid-19 economic scarring and focus on digitisation and transition to a green economy as recovery takes hold, the International Monetary Fund said.

In Cyprus, the job vacancy rate increased to 2.0% in the first quarter of 2021, the same rate as the EU, up from 1.3% in Q4 2020, but stable from a year ago.

After the blow inflicted by the UK’s decision to delay the easing of coronavirus measures in England, Deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios reiterated on Wednesday that Cyprus deserves to be moved to the green list of tourist destinations from the current amber category.

Elizabeth McCaul, Member of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, advised caution over possible amendments to the Cyprus foreclosure law stressing that “such policies can also backfire and destabilise the banking sector if designed in a haphazard manner.”

By law, all retail businesses and services in Cyprus including doctors, lawyers and plumbers will have to accept plastic money as of September following a finance ministry decree.

Cyprus sports fans can once again cheer their favourite team or athlete after more than a year of Covid-19 restrictions, as the health ministry said Wednesday stadia could hold up to 50% capacity.

Kapnos, which resumed its shuttle service to Larnaca and Paphos airports on June 1, on Tuesday unveiled a new, upgraded electronic reservation system to facilitate bookings.

Fresh concerns have arisen over the Delta variant and a possible fourth wave, as a former government adviser warned that variants risk being brought in from the UK.

Cyprus is not a tax haven but it is a competitive investment destination due to the legal framework, investors, natural wealth and skilled labour, finance minister Constantinos Petridis told CNBC on Tuesday.

With the title “Do you live in Cyprus and are you looking for a job?” the first official day for people seeking a job regarding their registration or renewal in the relevant registry has begun.