In a relevant announcement, the Council of Ministers approved on June 16, 2021, a Decree of the Ministry of Finance, which obliges companies operating in the service sector and retail trade, to accept payments via cards and inform consumers in a transparent, straightforward and precise manner.

Cyprus is progressing steadily towards the ECDC’s green categorisation as all districts reported reduced coronavirus caseloads, the health ministry’s National Report showed on Friday.

The vaccination portal will from Friday be open for all ages 18 and above until the last available appointment is booked, the health ministry press officer Margarita Kyriakou.

A total number of 23,251 residents of Cyprus returned from a trip abroad in May 2021, compared to 5,500 in the corresponding month last year, recording an increase of 323% year on year, data released by Cyprus Statistical Service show.

Nicosia should continue fiscal support measures to mitigate Covid-19 economic scarring and focus on digitisation and transition to a green economy as recovery takes hold, the International Monetary Fund said.

In Cyprus, the job vacancy rate increased to 2.0% in the first quarter of 2021, the same rate as the EU, up from 1.3% in Q4 2020, but stable from a year ago.

After the blow inflicted by the UK’s decision to delay the easing of coronavirus measures in England, Deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios reiterated on Wednesday that Cyprus deserves to be moved to the green list of tourist destinations from the current amber category.

Elizabeth McCaul, Member of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, advised caution over possible amendments to the Cyprus foreclosure law stressing that “such policies can also backfire and destabilise the banking sector if designed in a haphazard manner.”

By law, all retail businesses and services in Cyprus including doctors, lawyers and plumbers will have to accept plastic money as of September following a finance ministry decree.

Cyprus sports fans can once again cheer their favourite team or athlete after more than a year of Covid-19 restrictions, as the health ministry said Wednesday stadia could hold up to 50% capacity.