The government has called for the fast-track processing of citizenship by investment applications so as to give the Cyprus economy a boost, Phileleftheros reports.

Economic sentiment in Cyprus deteriorated markedly in March 2020, as the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI-CypERC) decreased by 12.1 points compared with February 2020, reflecting the initial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Cypriot economy.

Parliament on Friday approved a raft of bills aimed at shoring up the economy to withstand the fallout from the coronavirus crisis.

The bill allowing for suspension of loan repayments and interest for natural persons and businesses was passed by parliament on Sunday.

The export of all medicines from Cyprus to any other country has been banned with immediate effect, it was announced on Friday.

The health ministry on Sunday announced one new death and 35 new cases of Covid-19 bringing the death toll to six and the total confirmed cases to 214, five of which are in the British bases.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak is unavoidable, Deputy Minister of Shipping Natasa Pilides said on Thursday, expressing hope that industry will bounce back as it will continue to serve global trade.

The cabinet on Thursday approved a bill banning evictions until the end of May due to a tenant’s failure to pay rent.

The cabinet on Thursday approved a bill suspending repayment of loans for nine months and a €2 billion stimulus plan in a bid to boost liquidity in the economy amid the ongoing crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic.

People wishing to get tested for Covid-19 may now do so on their own initiative and expense by visiting private labs, the health ministry said Thursday.