A new form of beach life, spaced apart, emerged yesterday on the Mediterranean holiday island of Cyprus after more than two months of coronavirus-imposed curbs were lifted on freedom of movement.
The relaxation coincided with the first day of zero new cases of coronavirus in Cyprus since the first were declared on March 9.
“The people are good, the water’s good, the weather’s good, things are cool,” said Georgios, a young gym trainer. “We’re here, we’re having a good time... we’re taking our safety measures.”
The lifting of a swimming-only decree in force on the beaches brought sunbathers back out on the seashore – but under social distancing rules.
The health ministry has issued directives on the placement of sunbeds and parasols.
Also, only members of the same family can jointly take part in water sports.
“We’ve put the tables 2m apart,” said Panayiotis Neokleous, owner of the normally bustling Ammos beach club near the airport in the southern resort town of Larnaca.
“All the staff have taken the (Covid-19) test, they are all negative. Now we are all wearing protective masks, gloves and we disinfect our hands many times,” he said.
The Covid-19 respiratory disease is caused by the coronavirus.
Yesterday Cyprus also reported zero new coronavirus cases after the daily number of infections since the start of the month were down to single figures.
Signs are placed indicating to worshippers not to sit on certain seats at the Saint Germain l’Auxerrois church in Paris.
