The Covid-19 pandemic has decimated the Cyprus tourist industry with tourist arrivals in July registering an annual decline of 88.2%, the statistical service said on Wednesday.

Cyprus has issued the final building permit for the Egypt-Cyprus electricity interconnection EuroAfrica Interconnector, it was announced on Wednesday.

The Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) for the first quarter showed signs of slowing down due to the stricter criteria imposed on the Cyprus Investment Programme and uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic.

Meat prices in Cyprus are below the EU average, a Eurostat report published on Tuesday showed.

Cyprus health officials, in line with other European countries, plan an even greater push for flu vaccination this year to prevent hospitalisations and further strain on health systems already burdened by Covid-19.

While the government has said it wants all students to return to class when schools reopen in September, some lessons may be taught remotely.

New driver’s permits in the Republic of Cyprus will include organ donor information and other features, including security enhancements, a far cry from current licences printed on a piece of paper.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to play a significant role in declining IPO activity in the first half of 2020. Overall, Q2 2020 saw a decline in IPO activity from Q2 2019 across all regions by deal numbers and for the Americas and EMEIA by proceeds. Global IPO activity slowed dramatically in April and May, with a 48% decrease by volume (97 deals) and a 67% decrease in proceeds (US$13.2b) compared to April and May 2019. This dragged down 1H 2020 regional activities compared with 1H 2019 and overall YTD deal volume (419 deals) and proceeds (US$69.5b) decreased 19% and 8%, respectively, from YTD 2019.

Malta, Spain and Australia will be moved to Group C from August 20, effectively restricting entry from those countries to Cypriots and residents, the health ministry announced on Monday. Japan will move from group A to B, requiring travellers to present a negative coronavirus PCR test no older than 72 hours,

The Republic of Cyprus has stepped up its fight against document fraud and identity theft by launching new identification cards, which require citizens to submit fingerprints and other biometric data to the government.