The Central Bank of Cyprus has approved a new loan repayment moratorium until the end of June to mitigate the impact of a new three-week lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Cyprus’ vaccination strategy and the implementation of protective measures could lead to a gradual relaxation of measures against Covid-19 by early May, Minister of Health Constantinos Ioannou has said, as Cyprus announced on Friday new three-week lockdown measures in a bid to limit the increasing number of covid hospitalisations.

The SMS system that Cyprus was happy to be rid of in late spring last year will be returning on Sunday as the island grapples with the rampant spread of coronavirus that has left the healthcare system increasingly burdened.

The government on Saturday announced additional support schemes for businesses and the self-employed affected by the latest Covid measures, including grants, payroll subsidies, loan repayment suspension, rent holidays and tax breaks.

Studying in Cyprus is seen as a serious alternative for Cypriots students who are turned off from studying in the UK as Brexit means that they will face higher tuition fees with no access to favourable students loans.

A three-week ‘lockdown lite’ seems the likeliest scenario today when the government announces extra curbs on movement – including a return to the SMS system –aiming to contain the spread of the coronavirus and give straining hospitals some breathing space.

Educational programmes for primary school pupils will be shown on state-owned television channel Rik on Thursday and Friday, as part of a joint initiative by the education ministry and the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC).

Cyprus had its worst year for tourist arrivals as the island’s airports recorded an 80% overall drop in passenger traffic in 2020, a direct result of the pandemic and travel restrictions to control it.

The revised state budget for 2021 is ready while Finance Ministry staff are reviewing the final touches on measures to support the economy and businesses affected by the measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, reliable sources have told CNA.

Registered unemployed in Cyprus spiked 32% (8,097) in 2020 compared to 2019 due to parts of the economy being shut down during the pandemic, according to official data released Thursday.