COVID-19 Pandemic in Northern Cyprus
The Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak that started in Wuhan, China and dragged the whole world into a crisis, affected the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as in any place in the world.
The TRNC entered into a very rapid lock down process upon the post-epidemic pandemic announcement. Inbound and outbound flights have been cancelled and all borders have been closed. Schools and workplaces were closed simultaneously. Rapid implementation of social-distancing measures, good hygiene measures and travel/gathering bans in Northern Cyprus has been effective in controlling the outbreak. 33 corona virus related deaths and 7481 cases have been reported as of May 2021 out of 450.000 residents.
The swift application of periods of curfew and restriction of movement as well as closing hotels, schools and entertainment businesses, in short confining areas of possible spread alongside with afore mentioned implementations kept the infection rate and total number of deaths to a well below average in comparison to Turkey or other neighboring countries.
The borders first gradually opened requiring double PCR tests done in the country of departure and upon arrival, followed by a 7-14 days’ quarantine.
However as expected the relaxation of measures and increased travel led to the rise of numbers of cases again in 2020.
Following the implementation of vaccines in the world the TRNC was able to receive 170.000 vaccinations from Turkey and 57.000 vaccinations sent by the EU delivered by the Bi-Communal Health Technical Committee to be distributed in the North. The vaccination program continues successfully. So far 22% of the population received the first jab and 16% have completed the second doses. The plan is to reach 50% of the population by Autumn.
PCR tests are very common in the TRNC required not only from visitors abroad but from businesses in close contact with the population in the service industry like hairdressers, restaurants, hotels, sport facilities, banks, supermarkets are required to submit weekly tests to the Ministry of Health as well as keeping track of their customers upon entering of their businesses. People with positive PCR tests as well as their contacts are immediately quarantined by officials of the Ministry.
The people in North Cyprus have been very well in following requirements of wearing masks and observing social distance in addition to lock down measures.
The Lockdown has been lifted in May and entry regulations in the country have been eased as of June 2021. Curfew hours have been restricted to 00:05.00 am.
All arrivals to North Cyprus are categorized within one of 6 colors based on the country you have been the past 14 days. These rules apply crossing the border from South to North as well. If you have been in Cyprus the past 14 days’ land border rules apply.
Green:
Vaccinated or recovered: No restrictions.
Not vaccinated: No restrictions with a negative result PCR within last 72 hours.
Yellow:
Vaccinated or recovered: No restrictions with a negative result PCR within last 72 hours.
Not vaccinated: 7 days’ quarantine with a negative result PCR within last 72 hours.
Orange:
Vaccinated or recovered: No restrictions with a negative result PCR within last 72 hours.
Not vaccinated: 10 days’ quarantine with a negative result PCR within last 72 hours.
Red:
10 days’ quarantine with a negative result PCR within last 72 hours.
Dark Red:
No entry. Exception: TRNC citizens. Can enter with a negative PCR and 14 days’ quarantine.
Gray:
Entry with a special application and permit only.
Information valid as of June 11th 2021
