Northern Cyprus toughens COVID-19 measures

By Muhammet Ikbal Arslan

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) - The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Monday toughened coronavirus restrictions, including curfews and shortening of working hours.

According to decisions taken by the Council of Ministers, a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew is being implemented from Monday to Saturday until April 26, while a total lockdown will take effect on Sunday.

Working hours for grocery stores have also been shortened for an hour this week – markets will remain open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Indoor and outdoor coffee houses and cafes are allowed to operate, but customers must be limited to one-third of total capacity.

Meanwhile, mass worship in mosques and public iftars (sunset meal during Ramadan) are not allowed.

The TRNC has so far confirmed 3,913 COVID-19 cases and 24 related deaths. Vaccination drive against the disease also continues. More than 58,800 people have received their first dose, while over 48,500 have been fully vaccinated.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar in Ankara