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Cyprus to Ease COVID-19 Access Restrictions on Unvaccinated

A healthcare worker prepares a Pfizer coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination in Los Angeles, California, US, January 7, 2021. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
A healthcare worker prepares a Pfizer coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination in Los Angeles, California, US, January 7, 2021. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
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Cyprus to Ease COVID-19 Access Restrictions on Unvaccinated

A healthcare worker prepares a Pfizer coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination in Los Angeles, California, US, January 7, 2021. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
A healthcare worker prepares a Pfizer coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination in Los Angeles, California, US, January 7, 2021. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

Cyprus is lifting COVID-19 restrictions on access for the unvaccinated to bars, restaurants and other venues following a leveling off of new coronavirus cases in recent days that has eased the pressure on the health care system.

Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela said Tuesday that unvaccinated people can enter nightclubs, soccer stadiums, theaters, hotels and cinemas starting Feb. 21 as long as they show a valid COVID-19 rapid test taken within the previous 24 hours.

The maximum number of people permitted in nightclubs and other venues is being raised by 50 to 250, while single-table seating increases from eight to 12. The number allowed to gather in private residences doubles to 20, AFP said.

Maximum capacity at soccer stadiums and cinemas is being raised to 70% and 75%, respectively. The percentage of private-sector employees required to work from home is being halved to 25%.

Hadjipantela also said that the “test-to-stay” measure under which primary, junior high school and high school students are required to undergo regular rapid tests to attend classes is also being expanded to teaching staff and government workers.

Cyprus has seen daily COVID-19 cases taper off in recent days to hover at an infection rate of around 2.2% as have hospital admissions of serious cases.

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Kremlin Rejects Charge It Did Little to Help Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C, back) attends a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (C, front) at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 23 June 2025. EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C, back) attends a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (C, front) at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 23 June 2025. EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL
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Kremlin Rejects Charge It Did Little to Help Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C, back) attends a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (C, front) at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 23 June 2025. EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C, back) attends a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (C, front) at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 23 June 2025. EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL

The Kremlin on Tuesday pushed back against criticism that it had not done enough to back Iran, saying it had taken a "clear position" by condemning US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

President Vladimir Putin has condemned what he called "unjustified" US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, with which he signed a strategic cooperation treaty in January. He said on Monday that Russia would try to help the Iranian people, although he gave no specifics.

Iranian sources told Reuters earlier this week that Tehran had not been impressed with Russia's support so far.

Asked about comparisons to the toppling last year of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, when Moscow refused to send troops or more air power to keep its ally in power, the Kremlin said some people were trying to spoil the Russian-Iranian partnership.

"Russia actually supported Iran with its clear position," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had appreciated Moscow's stance when he met Putin on Monday.

It was still too early to assess the extent of the damage to Iran's nuclear facilities, Peskov said.

"Some information is coming through the appropriate channels, but it is still too early," Peskov said. "Hardly anyone has a clear understanding right now."

Asked about a Reuters report that Araghchi had brought a letter to Putin from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Peskov said there had been no written document handed over.

"The fact that there were certain messages from the Iranian leadership is true. But this Reuters report is not true," Peskov said.

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday a complete ceasefire between Israel and Iran, potentially ending the 12-day war that saw millions flee Tehran and prompted fears of further escalation in the war-torn region.

"If it has really been possible to achieve a ceasefire, then this can only be welcomed," Peskov said, adding that Qatar had helped to broker the ceasefire.

"This is what the Russian Federation has been calling for since the very beginning of this conflict. Therefore, yes, this can and should be welcomed, and we hope that this will be a sustainable ceasefire."