Cyprus Casinos will not open their doors until mid-July at the earliest, though other businesses in the Greek-controlled republic began a phased reopening last week.
The plan is subject to change based on the number of Covid-19 cases in the country, said President Nicos Anastasiades.
According to GGRAsia, Cyprus allowed some businesses to reopen on May 4, and will ease restrictions on citizens’ movements on May 21. Construction and related companies would be allowed to reopen in a first phase, as would retail businesses apart from shopping malls and large stores.
On June 9, hotels, shopping malls and airports can open under strict conditions and social distancing rules. Casinos and theatres will bring up the rear, being the last o open starting on July 14, according to the official statement.
Cyprus Casinos (C2) is controlled by ICR Cyprus Holdings Ltd., a joint venture of Lawrence Ho’s Melco Resorts & Entertainment and Cyprus Phassouri (Zakaki) Ltd. The partners have a 30-year exclusive license to run casinos in Cyprus; they currently operate four licensed satellite casinos in Paphos, Ayia Napa Nicosia and Larnaca, as well as a temporary casino in Limassol, where a permanent integrated resort is now under construction. At full build-out, City of Dreams Mediterranean could be the largest IR in Europe.
The government in the Republic of Cyprus – the ethnic Greek portion of that Mediterranean island – took measures early on, to prevent the spread of Covid-19: it partially sealed its borders on March 14, and ordered the temporary suspension of all non-essential businesses. The government also imposed a curfew to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
In his speech, President Anastasiades repeatedly emphasized the need for caution, saying the easing of restrictions would depend on people continuing to follow the rules.
Cyprus had recorded 850 Covid-19 infections as of May 1, with 20 deaths, according to official data from the Ministry of Health.
