The country’s ministry of health confirmed the move late on Wednesday (7 July), citing an increase in infections owing to rgw BA.4 and BA.5 variants of Covid-19.

"The epidemiological course in the last few days requires the revision of the protective measures in an effort to contain the spread of the virus and safeguard public health," said the health ministry.

Between 25 June and 5 July, nearly 20,000 cases were recorded in the community following close to 150,000 tests, a positivity rate of 13%.

Cyprus’s council of ministers has approved the ministry of health’s proposal to reintroduce the mandatory use of masks in indoor and close spaces starting Friday (8 July). It applies to all people above the age of 12.

Exclusions include where people are in their residences, while actively eating and drinking, or when travelling in their own vehicle alone or with other family members.

Fines for non-compliance run to €300.

The ministry of health has also urged people to step up other basic protective measures such as social distancing and hand hygiene.