The industry and manufacturing sector became fully operational in phase one of the partial lifting, while the rest of the economic activities, such as retail trade, are being re-started on the basis of guidelines and strict protocols.

In the first phase of the relaxation of restrictive measures which begun on May 4 and will last until May 20, restrictions in the construction sector and in all related business activities which support this sector are lifted, according to the Minister of Health’s decree issued on April 30.

All retail trade businesses, except commercial centres and big department stores, have been given the green light to start their operations. Also, open space markets such as flee markets, street vendors and bazaars can also open for business.

Although, tourist agents and all tourist sector related offices can start operations, they can opt out and remain closed still eligible to benefit from the Ministry of Labour’s schemes for total work suspension.

Public and private hospitals maintain a ban on visits, but are allowed to conduct scheduled operations, based on ceilings set by the Ministry of Health. Dental Centers and Clinics also reopening.

The shipping sector will now allow cruise ships to park for refueling (without disembarking passengers or replacing crews). It is also allowed to replace crews for merchant ships and to move private boats to licensed areas, for the purpose of mooring, maintenance and repairs. Pubic transport such as buses, are able to operate again with no more than 50% of the seats occupied.

As of Monday May 4, the use of open space athletic installations will be open to high performance athletes who are included in the records of the Cyprus Olympic Committee.

Director General of Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation Michalis Antoniou, inspected the operation of retail stores on Ledras and Onassagorou streets Monday morning, noticing that about half of the them reopened, but few people were visiting the stores.

Speaking to CNA, he expressed his satisfaction with health and safety measures in retail stores and said there was optimism among retailers, but also noted that the economy has been heavily wounded and will need time to recover.