Cyprus has surpassed the benchmark of one million Covid-19 vaccinations in its race to achieve herd immunity against the virus, said Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas.

New health ministry guidance in Cyprus has reduced the required period before infected persons can end their isolation regardless of vaccination history, but different criteria continue to apply for close contacts depending on whether they are vaccinated or not.

Deputy Minister for Shipping Vassilis Demetriades held a meeting on Monday with Dr. Xenia Loizidou, head of the Cypriot researchers' team that implements the “Cruise Ships Against Plastic Pollution in the Mediterranean” project.

The antiquities department announced on Tuesday the completion of underwater works and digital mapping of the ancient port of Amathus in Limassol which is to operate as an underwater archaeological park.

More than 5,000 seafarers have been vaccinated so far as part of the government’s initiative to offer Covid-19 jabs to crews of ships flying the Cypriot flag or using the country’s ports, deputy shipping minister Vassilis Demetriades said on Tuesday.

UCLan Cyprus University has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Aradippou municipality to promote joint actions for education, culture and research.

Traffic at Larnaca airport in August will be similar to that recorded in July, Hermes Airports said on Tuesday.

The Cyprus Rector’s Conference has called for universities to operate with the physical presence of students during the new academic year 2021-2022 despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Covid vaccinations for non-beneficiaries of the General Healthcare System (NHS) or non-residents will begin Friday at walk-in centres, the ministry of health announced.

Some 2,176 appointments for the vaccination of minors were scheduled for Monday and Tuesday until 13:30, of which 1,800 are about children aged 12-15.