NICOSIA, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus authorities are scrambling to repatriate hundreds of Cypriot nationals before a ban on incoming flights comes into effect on Saturday, Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said on Friday, as the COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 100.
Christodoulides said that about 1,500 Cypriots communicated through a red line with the Foreign Ministry, saying that they fulfill all requirements demanded by the Health Ministry to enter into Cyprus.
This means that they have secured a certificate from an authorized laboratory in the country of their stay, proving that they have not been infected by the coronavirus.
Nevertheless, all those arriving at the island's two airports will stay in isolation for 14 days in hotels taken over by the government with the consent of the owners, the Health Ministry said.
Cyprus News Agency reported that most of the Cypriots waiting to be repatriated are based in Britain, with a smaller number in Greece and even less in the United States.
The ban on incoming flights will come into effect at 3 a.m. on Saturday, but Transport, Communications and Works Minister Yiannis Karousos said the time limit may be extended for chartered flights bringing in stranded Cypriot nationals.
Cyprus' government has imposed strict measures in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, including shutting down restaurants, cafeterias, casinos and other places of entertainment, and drastically reduced the personnel of public services and private businesses. Enditem
