Cyprus may lose 1.5% to 2% of GDP if travel restrictions on Russia remain throughout 2022, DBRS Morningstar says

Cyprus may lose 1.5% to 2% of GDP in 2022 if the airspace with Russia remains closed throughout 2022, said DRBS Morningstar, noting that the war in Ukraine will impact negatively growth this year, however, “it should not derail Cyprus`s medium-term prospects.”

In a commentary, the rating agency said that “the introduction of sanctions and counter sanctions due to Russia`s invasion of Ukraine has increased the downside risks to otherwise strong medium term economic prospects for Cyprus,” adding that the main transmission channels for Cyprus are through tourism revenues and higher energy prices.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus assures it is firmly dedicated to the statutory principles of GREVIO

Cyprus assured that it is firmly dedicated to the statutory principles of GREVIO, the independent expert body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) by the Parties.

The assurance was conveyed by Justice and Public Order Minister Stephie Drakos during the first visit of a GREVIO delegation to Cyprus.

An official press release said the minister assured of Cyprus’ firm commitment to the principles of the Convention as well as the continuation and intensification of efforts to provide a holistic framework for the protection, support and empowerment of victims of all forms of violence.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Emilianidou stresses the importance of Directives on equal pay and gender representation during Council in Brussels

The equal representation of women on corporate boards and policies to encourage elderly people to remain in the workforce, as well as developments related to Ukraine, were discussed by the EU’s social affairs ministers during the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council which was held on Monday in Brussels.

Cyprus was represented by Minister of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance Zeta Emilianidou.

Ministers discussed the Council`s general approach on the Commission`s proposal for a Directive on improving gender representation on corporate boards.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Minister of Education says international law should prevail in Ukraine while addressing Cypriot Gala Concert in Vienna

Cyprus Minister of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth Prodromos Prodromou expressed hope that the war in Ukraine will end and the international law will prevail, comparing the situation in the war-ravaged country with the occupation Cyprus has been facing since 1974.

According to a Ministry of Education press release, addressing the “Cypriot Gala Concert”, held yesterday in Vienna, Prodromou referred to the recent joint declaration of the Ministers of culture of the E.U.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Test to stay to be introduced in kindergartens and pre-primary schools

Test to stay program is expected to be introduced in kindergartens, pre-primary schools and special schools, following a decision taken Monday at a meeting the Health Minister had with the Scientific Committee. The Minister is set to bring the decision before the Cabinet on Wednesday.

The Committee and the Minister also assessed the epidemiological figures and decided to lift the restriction for overnight stay in nursing homes and closed units and the restriction for school excursions as long as the instructions are followed.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Students in Cyprus aim for world record with weather micro-satellite

Students from Pascal English School in Larnaca aim to set a world record by sending a weather micro-satellite, with the code name “PICO”, from Athalassa Radiosonde Station, to a height beyond 147,648 feet, in order to receive images and video.

According to a Department of Meteorology press release, the students made their first attempt back in January, sending the micro-satellite up at 100,000 feet high, which sent live data and high-resolution images back to the Station. On February 18 2022, they made a second attempt and sent the micro-satellite up at 125,000 feet high.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Qatar moved from red to green category, based on the epidemiological situation

Qatar has been moved from red to green category, based on the epidemiological situation, the Health Ministry has announced. The new categorisation will take effect from Thursday, 17th March.

A relevant press release of the Ministry of Health reminded that as of 21st February 2022 the new Action Plan for the smooth operation of flights and the operation of airports entered into force.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The trade deficit increases by 19% in January 2022, year on year

The trade deficit increased in January 2022 by 19.4%, to € 518.72 million, compared to € 434.34 million in January last year, according to provisional data, published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus.

At the same time, according to final data on the foreign trade of Cyprus for December 2021, the total imports of goods and the exports for domestically produced products decreased, while the exports of foreign products increased. For the whole of 2021, the trade deficit of Cyprus amounted to € 5.24 billion, from € 4.89 billion in 2020.

Specifically, total imports of goods were €724 mn as compared to €590.6 mn in January 2021, recording an increase of 22.6%. Imports from other EU Member States in January 2022 were €498.8 mn and from third countries €225.1 mn, compared to €368.9 mn and €221.7 mn respectively in January 2021.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus reports 3,782 new COVID-19 cases, no deaths, 101 patients in hospitals

Cypriot health authorities announced on Monday 3,782 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total tally of infections to 356,784, while total deaths remained at 902 as no fatalities were announce today.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Health, hospitalizations amounted to 101, while patients treated in serious condition in Intensive Treatment Units and Increased Care Units were 14.

A total of 111,926 tests were carried out on Monday, with the overall daily positivity rate declining to 3.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Two booster dose recommendations for specific population groups

The National Advisory Committee on Vaccination of the Ministry of Health has made two booster dose recommendations for specific population groups during a meeting on Monday, according to a statement issued by the Ministry.

1st recommendation for a 3rd vaccine dose

The National Vaccine Advisory Committee recommends that a booster/3rd MRNA-technology vaccine dose be given to persons 12 years of age and older provided that the six month period has elapsed since the administration of the second dose.

The validity of the European Digital Certificate (SafePass) is not affected in case of non-administration of a booster dose.

Source: Cyprus News Agency