NICOSIA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus has isolated itself from the outside world as of 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) Monday to stem the spread of the coronavirus, authorities said.
A spokesman for Hermes Airports, which manages Cyprus' two international airports, said that only Cypriot citizens, EU nationals working in Cyprus, accredited diplomats or people with a special permit from Cypriot authorities will be allowed to fly in until April 30.
Those allowed to fly in must also have a health certificate issued within four days from an accredited laboratory, said the spokesman.
He added that all outgoing passengers should have a similar certificate.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades announced the isolation during a televised statement on Sunday. He also announced the closures of restaurants, cafeterias and other places of entertainment.
Cyprus has notified the top British diplomat in Cyprus that all the measures should also be applied to the two British bases in Cyprus.
Cyprus has reported a total of 54 confirmed COVID cases as of Monday. Enditem
