Cyprus COVID-ravaged economy plunged an estimated 11.9% of annual GDP in the second quarter of 2020 as it tried to contain the pandemic.

By August 11, a total of 1,278 coronavirus cases and 27 fatalities were in the Republic of Cyprus, with the case fatality rate standing at 2.1%, according to the Ministry of Health’s National Surveillance Report on coronavirus, published Thursday.

Wizz Air said on Thursday it was setting up a new base at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and that it would launch seven new routes from there including to Larnaca.

Health Minister Konstantinos Ioannou said that Cyprus has received quantities of the medicine Remdesivir, strengthening its arsenal in the fight against the coronavirus.

Cyprus exports were down 23% in May, compared to the same month last year, while provisional figures for June showed a minor correction, with exports rising about 18% year-on-year, according to the latest figures from the statistical service Cystat.

The announcement by England’s education ministry on Wednesday that mock GCSE and A level exams can now be used to determine final exam grades will not help all students, private schools in Cyprus have said.

British tour and flight operator TUI announced on Wednesday that it was cancelling all holidays to Cyprus until August 23, citing the testing requirements imposed by the Cypriot authorities.

The present situation regarding the transmission of corona virus in the community is causing no particular concern, however, we will be in a position to draw safe conclusions once we see how the situation unfolds in the next couple of days, Assistant Professor of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases at the University of Cyprus Medical School and Chairwoman of the Special Committee of the Pancyprian Medical Association dealing with coronavirus, Maria Koliou, told CNA.

As of Friday, August 14 Poland and Portugal will be placed in Cyprus’ category B list of countries, the health ministry announced.

Jet2 is set to resume flights to Cyprus from August 17 as there is “clear demand” from the British market, the airline said on Tuesday.