A ray of golden light is steadily appearing at the end of the tunnel…
Cyprus, as well as the rest of the world, was also forced to a complete “Lock Down” to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The measures taken were absolutely strict from the very first case reported on the island, so as to confine the spread of the virus and ensure a rapid elimination of this unprecedented situation.
All ports of entry were sealed off completely and businesses (all except supermarkets, pharmacies and essential services), both in the private and in the public sector, came to a complete halt. Permission to go out once a day was granted by the government via an approval SMS and a full evening curfew was enforced from 9pm to 6am.
The journey has been very difficult, however the strict restrictions have been worth our efforts. As from Monday the 4th of May we were given the go-ahead to enter Phase 1 of easing towards the exit of the lock down!
Among others, small shops and certain businesses, including travel businesses have gradually opened with strict hygiene and social distance measures in place. However, it is still required to SMS for permission to go out and the evening curfew moved one hour later (10pm to 6am).
If we succeed in keeping the number of new cases to a single digit, then Phase 2 of the “road to exiting Lockdown” will be implemented between May 21st – June 8th. This will include the re-operation of hairdressing and beauty salons, outdoor catering services, museums and archaeological sites to name but a few. The movement permission by SMS will be completely abolished including also the individual movement between 10pm to 6am…however only gatherings of up to a maximum 10 people will be allowed.
Phase 3 (June 9th – July 13th), will most probably see the opening of further establishments, including Airports (gradually and conditionally), hotels and beaches as well as indoor and outdoor catering services along with the abolishment of all restrictions on individual movement. Naturally, this very important step will entail comprehensive hygiene and protection measures both for visitors to Cyprus and for staff serving in all the relevant establishments. Already the Deputy Minister of Tourism in conjunction with the board of the Cyprus Association of Hoteliers, and the island’s hoteliers are working hard to produce an effective campaign to be applied.
Phase 4 (July 14th onwards), will see all theatres, cinemas, festivals, casinos etc… re-opening to the public.
The journey back to “normality” will certainly be gradual, however we would like to assure you that Constantinou Bros Hotels have undertaken revised measures and implemented even stricter protocols, so as to ensure that once the green light is given, the health and wellbeing of our guests is secured, upon the re-operation of our hotels.
Please stay safe …we are so looking forward to seeing you all back in sunny Paphos…very soon!