Paphos People

Has there been any clarification of which “catering establishments” can open next week? Some are saying it’s only restaurants with outdoor seating, some say bars and tavernas with outdoor seating as long as they are serving food, some say anyone as long as they have outdoor space?

Neil, has there been any government clarification?

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Daz

The health ministry issued guidelines on Monday to be followed at restaurants, cafes, and bars to open in the third phase of lifting coronavirus measures.

Business in the restaurant sector will reopen on June 9, according to the measures posted on the health ministry coronavirus website. Outdoor spaces at restaurants can open on May 21.

In their announcement, the ministry said all food business executives should provide written guidance to their staff on the possible symptoms of the disease and ask those who show symptoms to stay at home and seek medical advice.

The ministry also said staff at these businesses are required to have their temperature taken, while checking the public’s temperature is optional.

All cafes, restaurants and bars should place announcements at the entrance informing customers of simple protection measures, including social distancing and good hand washing and disinfection.

These companies should also place announcements on how many people are allowed at each given moment, meaning one person per two-square metres, excluding employees for outside areas. For inside areas, the ministry said one person is allowed for each three-square metres.

The maximum number of people per table is ten, and employees serving the public should limit conversation with customers as much as possible, while the use of masks and gloves by all staff is mandatory, the ministry said.

The ministry also recommended that companies have a single-use price menu or menus visibly posted or even provide them electronically. The menu should be disinfected after every use and companies must have single use tablecloths. They should also promote contactless transactions and limit the use of cash.

All toilets should be equipped with liquid soap, disposable hand towels, and antiseptic alcohol solution. All floor surfaces, counters, cash registers, toilets must be kept clean and disinfected regularly during the day.

https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/05/11/coronavirus-health-guidelines-for-opening-restaurants/

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Dave
Moira And Dave

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

I’ve read that in the CM too MAD but to me, it isn’t clear. Am I reading it wrongly ?

So, phase three is from 8 June when everyone can open?
From 21 May, is it just restaurants with outdoor space that can open or anyone with outdoor space?

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Daz

The Cyprus government has done a wonderful job in confining the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having endured the trevails of lock-down, is anyone so desperate for a meal at a restaurant that they are willing to ignore the ongoing situation?

If you need a clue as to the risks involved, try watching the news from the UK.
Their so-called 'experts' hypothesizing does little to convince me that the threat has completely dissipated.

I remember seeing Brits parading around some stores without gloves or masks at the height of this situation here in Cyprus. Some people are just stupid by nature, Brits suffer more than most in this respect!

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I'll be back!

Yes, the government has done a great job in containing this virus. If your email was a veiled snipe then no where did I suggest otherwise.

There are 1000’s of people here that live alone and would jump at the opportunity to join up with some friends for a drink or two, if it was safe. So THATS the reason why I was asking the question!

If you didn’t know the answer wouldn’t it have been better not to say anything ? It’s no wonder people stay away from posting on here with inane comment like yours!!!

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Daz

Well said Daz! I am heartily sick of this "don't you know there's a war on?" response to anything that resembles a sensible question. I posted a similar enquiry (on another forum) regarding the opening hours of a popular takeaway restaurant, and, by the time I had picked through the scores of vicious responses, drew the conclusion that I am a murdering so-and-so who would step over the corpses of babies to grab a hamburger. Do let's all calm down.

Incidentally, if I wanted to know what was what in any situation I can't help thinking that the last place I would turn to is the television news in the UK!

Was speaking to 4 Bar / restaurant owners this morning and all tell me they will receive final instructions on Monday on what they can and can't do

In the meantime

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Dave
Moira And Dave

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Hi Daz,

Just passing on my thoughts on this FORUM, I thought that was the idea?

I don't think my comments inane, as your response proves beyond doubt!

I guess you are reacting to the bit about "not wearing gloves or a mask" - you must have been among the one's I saw then, my comment obviously hit a nerve!

Don't ever consider an Administrator role until your comprehension improves dramatically.

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I'll be back!

Latest update

https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/05/18/coronavirus-ministry-clarifies-regulations-on-reopening-pubs-and-restaurants/

The health ministry on Monday clarified that all restaurants and cafes that will open later in the week must receive customers only in their outside areas.

As of May 21, restaurants, taverns, cafeterias, pizzerias, and pubs can resume, the health ministry said.

The external areas of coffee shops and canteens housed in association and club buildings can also resume operations, it said, if all hygiene rules are observed.

The ministry clarified that ‘outside area’ is defined by the provisions of the law on smoking and health protection. It added that these areas must have tables and chairs.

Play areas located within these businesses even if outside must remain closed, however, until a decree is issued allowing their reoperation.

The ministry also said that night clubs, discos and other areas where there’s dancing, must remain closed.

The second phase of relaxation of measures against the spread of coronavirus starts on May 21 when all restrictions on movement will be lifted.

People can go to parks – apart from play areas – squares, marinas and other open spaces provided they are not in groups of over 10. Barber shops and hairdressers may also reopen.

The state health services carried out 748 checks last week in retail food and beverage businesses and restaurants offering take away and delivery services.

Five of these businesses have been booked for non-compliance with the decree on the obligatory testing of their employees for Covid-19.

Checks will also continue this week.

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Dave
Moira And Dave

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”