Cyprus continues to top the list of EU countries with the most tests per 100,000 population, and is third as regards vaccinations, the health ministry said on Monday.

Revenue from Cyprus’ key tourism sector plunged more than 85% last year as the travel industry was decimated by the pandemic and lockdowns to contain it.

Cyprus Deputy Ministry for Tourism welcomed world-renowned cruise ships company, Royal Caribbean’s decision to incorporate Cyprus among its destinations during June – August 2021, utilising a brand-new ship, to be delivered shortly.

During a news conference today, the Education Minister announced that the British University of Bolton will give 250 scholarships to Cypriot students within the framework of a Program called Pathway Scholarship.

Total government expenditure in Cyprus in 2019 amounted to 40% of gross domestic product with most of it going towards ‘social protection’ just like in all other EU countries.

Cyprus hopes to attract direct investment after tweaking a Double Taxation Avoidance treaty with Germany, making it harder for foreign firms to set up shell companies on the island.

The health ministry on Saturday announced the updated list of countries under the traffic-light system in view of the reopening of airports on March 1.

Covid-19 vaccinations reached 76.176 as of February 26, the health ministry announced on Saturday.

More students were going back to school on Monday as Cyprus entered the second phase of a gradual relaxation of pandemic measures, with officials closely monitoring the situation to avoid a major setback.

The new housing support scheme for rural areas presented by the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (Koag) in collaboration with the ministry of interior will generate entrepreneurship and strengthen the economy, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris said on Thursday.