Cyprus credit card transactions in the first quarter of 2020 increased by 13%, as the coronavirus outbreak left its marks on the use of plastic money.

The electricity authority (EAC) said on Friday it has pre-purchased 60,000 metric tons (MT) of fuel oil in an effort to make the best use of the low fuel prices recorded during this period in to best benefit of consumers.

The health ministry on Thursday announced 38 new confirmed cases of coronavirus bringing the total number to 564, with officials again stressing the situation still called for vigilance.

A law amendment allowing the slaughter of goats and sheep according to Jewish dietary laws for meat exports to Israelis is to be filed soon, a farmers’ representative said.

President Nicos Anastasiades announced that restrictions on free movement and other measures adopted by the government to stem the spread of the coronavirus will remain in effect until the end of April.

Thirty-two new Covid-19 cases were announced by the health ministry on Wednesday evening, bringing the total number to 526.

Fitch ratings agency has downgraded Hellenic Bank’s long-term Issuer default rating (IDR) to ‘B’ from ‘B+’ and Viability Rating (VR) to ‘b’ from ‘b+’ and placed them both on rating watch negative (RWN). At the same time, Fitch has placed Bank of Cyprus long-term IDR of ‘B-‘ and VR of ‘b-‘ on RWN.

State support for businesses and employees has been extended until June 12 and if necessary for a further four months beyond that, the government announced on Wednesday.

EY Cyprus announces the operation of the EY Academy of Learning & Development, a new learning hub aimed at developing better professionals and enhancing the capacity of organisations, teams and individuals by improving their knowledge, skills and culture.

Cyprus raised €1.75 billion through a seven-year and 30-year bond issuance on Tuesday, boosting liquidity as it seeks to buffer the fallout out of the coronavirus crisis.