N.Cyprus mandates COVID-19 test for service workers

By Muhammet Ikbal Arslan

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) – The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Sunday mandated service workers who have a close contact with customers to get tested for coronavirus.

In a statement, the Health Ministry said the measures were announced amid a surge in infections.

"It was deemed necessary for hairdressers, barbers, restaurant employees, takeaway personnel, spa center workers, and owners and staff of fitness centers to get PCR tests done until the end of the working day on Dec. 23 at the latest," it said.

The press release urged all citizens to adhere to personal hygiene in a bid to contain the spread of the novel disease.

As of Dec. 16, the TRNC has seen 1,309 COVID-19 infections, including six deaths and 1,157 recoveries.

* Writing by Merve Aydogan in Ankara