Tighter Rules on Movement Introduced

To try to combat the spread of the Corona virus in Cyprus, the Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou introduced an increase to the rules on Public movements. From Monday 31st March 2020 these include....

A completer curfew between 9.00 pm until 6.00 am.

People are only allowed to leave their homes once a day, for one hour and only if they receive permission after sending a text message to a special number.

The fine for those found disobeying the ban on movement has been doubled to €300.

House visits and gatherings are also forbidden, he said, adding that only residents must be in each home.

Supermarkets, bakeries, butchers and other retails shops will be closed on Sundays.

A new way of Living begins

As we enter the lock down period in Cyprus we have been informed that every time that we leave our home we have to fill in a form or use a special SMS service and carry ID at all times.

At the moment there are plenty of jobs around our home to keep us busy and the weather had improved which always helps to keep spirits up.
Rob has decided to grow a beard for the lock down time, there is no socialising  allowed so he thinks its the perfect time.

Cyprus on Lock down due to The Corona virus

The Cypriot President, Nicos Anastasiades, made an announcement on TV last night to inform the Citizens of Cyprus that of 6.00 pm tonight that their movements would be severely restricted.

The New measures include,

The government banned unnecessary movement from 6pm on Tuesday until April 13, unless it concerned work, the purchase of supplies, doctor and pharmacy visits, or going to a bank if an online transaction is impossible.

Also exempted are people who provide assistance to vulnerable groups and first-degree relatives attending funerals, weddings, or baptisms, provided they do not exceed 10 people.

Exercising and walking a dog are also allowed as long as they do not exceed two people and they are restricted to the area around their residences.

Everyone outside must carry their ID or passport and additional proof regarding their business,

Starting Tuesday 6pm and until April 13, the government will shut parks, play areas, open sports facilities, public meeting places – including squares, reservoirs, picnic areas, beaches, marinas, open markets and bazaars.

Visits to churches, mosques, and other religious venues were also banned.

All retailers will suspend operation apart from those included in a health ministry order: companies selling equipment for the handicapped, medical equipment, opticians, hearing aids, garages, tyre shops, bicycle shops, dry cleaners, post and courier officers, telecom companies – bill payment and repairs – car dealerships, flower shops, funeral parlours.

All businesses can trade online and deliver their goods.

The closure order includes construction sites apart from those relating to public utilities.

The Easter bonfire tradition was also banned, and any ‘fuel’ collected by youths will be removed by local authorities and the police.

Serious CoronaVirus Measures begin and Sunday Lunch

The Cypriot goverment introduces new emergency rules to help fight the spread of the Coronavirus across the Island. These include the closure of all restaurants, bars, shopping malls, shops, museums, sport centers, cinemas and recreation centers. The closures will begin on Monday 16th March and run for 4 weeks.

So on Sunday we took advantage of having our last meal in a restaurant for a while when we met several friends for lunch at the Ampeli restaurant in Pissouri Bay. Somebody thought it was Mandy's birthday (it was'ent) and handed her a birthday card. This produced all kind  of funny moments and even the restaurant staff produced a cake with a candle.

Closing the Borders and a Tribute Act

On Friday evening the Cypriot President, Nicos Anastasiades, addressed the country outlining new measures in an effort to combat the Coronavirus. The President announced that from 15th of March the Borders into the country will effectively be closed to Non residents (with certain exceptions) for 15 days.

A number of local functions have been cancelled in the village as a precautionary measure but on Friday evening we did  manage to go down to the Vineleaf taverna  to watch Nat Augustin perform his tribute act to George Benson and Stevie Wonder.

Lunch at Vasa

On Sunday we made the 30 minute drive North of Pissouri to the village of Vasa. On a beautiful morning we wandered around the narrow streets of this hillside village before heading over to the Pyrkos tavern.  

Marinos and the family made us very welcome and we enjoyed a super meze lunch overlooking the local countryside. 

We even left with a dozen free range eggs from the owners chickens.

Beachcombing and Green Monday

On Saturday night we were hit by a huge hail storm, the following day, St Davids Day, we drove over to Mandria beach for a spot of beachcombing. It was noticeable how much the sea had eroded the cliffs in certain places along our walk.

On Monday we made our way over to the Panorama area of the village where celebrations were being held to mark the begining of Lent known as "Green Monday".

The village council provided entertainment, food and wine as the local enjoyed the gathering in fine weather. The children were kept entertained by flying kites which is a tradition of there day which marks a 40 day fast of meat products  before Easter.