UPDATE – MAY 14, 2021
A SafePass will no longer be required for outdoor activities. The SafePass, enforced this week, will no longer be required to visit outdoor seating areas of cafés, restaurants and bars as well as outdoor theatres and cinemas. However, the pass will remain for anyone aged 12 and over when visiting gyms, theatres, shopping malls, hotels and places of worship among other crowded places as well as senior living facilities. Weddings, baptisms, funerals and conferences will also be allowed with a maximum of 200 people as long as they are seated, and the number does not exceed 30 per cent capacity. The operation of outside entertainment parks and playgrounds will also be allowed starting May 17. Capacity of theatres and cinemas is set at 50 people or 30 per cent indoors and 50 per cent outdoors. The curfew will be midnight as of May 17th. On June 10, nightclubs will reopen with a strict health protocol which will be annouced at a later date.
May 5, 2021
The cabinet has decided to reopen most businesses and to introduce a “Coronapass” for people to be allowed into hospitality venues, churches, gyms, shops, and other places starting Monday, May 10th while keeping an overnight curfew. A Coronapass entails either having a negative PCR/rapid test for Covid within 72 hours or having received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine three weeks earlier or having contracted the virus in the past six months.
A curfew will remain in force between 11 pm and 5 am with the following exceptions: traveling to and from work; visiting a medical center or hospital or pharmacy or vet for an emergency; no need to send a text for permission before going out.
Schools will reopen with physical presence with pupils having to submit to a weekly rapid antigen test.
Gymnasium, lyceum, and certain primary school years would have to present proof of a negative test taken within the prior 72 hours.
Gatherings in public areas like parks, squares, beaches are allowed, provided they do not exceed 10 people, including minors.
Going to a place of worship would need a Coronapass. Until May 16, only a maximum of 50 people will be allowed inside. From May 17, places of worship can let in 30 percent of their capacity, provided they present a Coronapass.
From June 1, the permitted number will rise to 50 percent of capacity.
Until May 16, lunches, dinners and other wedding or christening events can only accommodate a maximum number of 10 people including minors.
From May 17 onwards, such events will only be allowed outdoors with up to 200 seated guests who must present a Coronapass. Cocktail parties are banned.
From June 1, events will be permitted indoors with a Coronapass.
Church weddings, christenings, and funerals can only be attended by a maximum of 10 people until May 16. From May 17, the maximum number of people will be 200, provided they make up no more than 30 percent of the venue’s capacity. A Coronapass is required.
Visiting others in hospitals will be allowed with the permission of the director and a negative PCR test up within the prior 48-hours.
Hospitality venues’ outdoor areas will reopen with patrons presenting a Coronapass. From June 1, they can reopen indoor areas.
Outdoor and indoor theatres and cinemas can reopen for people with a Coronapass and a maximum number of 50 people until May 17.
After that, they can allow 30 percent of their capacity indoors and 50 percent outside with a Coronapass. That number will increase to 50 percent on June 1.
Municipal markets will operate at a 50 percent capacity and physical distancing without a Coronapass.
Mass gatherings, protests, parades, concerts, outdoor fairs, and festivals in public and private areas are banned.
Malls and shops can reopen provided their customers present a Coronapass to enter. Large shops must also observe physical distancing rules, allowing in one person per 10 square meters.
Beauticians and hairdressers can operate without a pass.
Gyms, dance schools, and other similar places can operate under previous protocols and their clients having a Coronapass.
Betting shops can resume operations with customers seated outdoors and no Coronapasses needed.
Casinos will remain shut until May 16. From May 17 onwards, they will operate on 30 percent capacity until June 1, when it can rise to 50 percent. Visitors must have a Coronapass.
Swimming pools will resume operations for training purposes. Beaches will reopen with the same health and safety protocols as last year and no need to present a Coronapass.
Picnic areas, reservoirs, and zoos can be visited without a pass.
Group tuition, sports, and social activities involving children under 18 are allowed based on previous protocols which is six plus one. Indoor extracurricular activities will require a 72-hour negative test. For outdoor activities, participants will have to submit to a weekly test.
Nightclubs and other similar venues will remain closed.
Play areas, amusement, and theme parks will also remain closed until May 16. From May 17 onwards, they can resume operations outdoors, without social events like birthdays.
Visits to care homes and other similar facilities will be allowed provided visitors present a pass.
Camping areas will remain closed. Hotel stays will be allowed as of May 10 with a pass.
Election gatherings are allowed provided the venue’s capacity is observed and attendees remain seated. Cocktail events are prohibited and a pass is needed.
Civil service staff will continue to work from home until May 16 wherever applicable. From May 17 a physical presence of up to 50 percent should be ensured if possible.
Private businesses will continue to work with 30 percent of their staff present with the maximum number being 50 per building and the minimum five. From May 17, 50 percent of staff can be physically present.
In regards to the football cup final, the cabinet said fans can attend but only up to 15 percent of the stadium’s capacity and a pass will be required.
