A further round of clarifications has been issued by the health ministry, which sets out provisions as to how businesses such as bars and cafes can operate – and crucially – how many people they can allow in and under which conditions.

The European Commission on Thursday sent a new letter to Cyprus calling for the correct application of the bloc’s Landfill Directive and giving Nicosia two months to offer a satisfactory response.

And if no satisfactory response is given, Philenews said on Friday, the Commission warns that it may refer the issue to the European Court of Justice.

Six additional measures were announced by the Cabinet on Thursday to curb the spread of COVID-19 and allow society and the economy to function, announced Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas.

He told reporters that from 6 December to 10 January, all passengers arriving in Cyprus will undergo a compulsory PCR test with a 15-euro charge.

As protests against the mandatory use of masks at school by children aged six and above continue all across Cyprus, on Thursday morning police reported a fire and a bomb explosion at two different elementary schools.