The Council of Ministers met today under the President of the Republic Mr.Nicos Anastasiades.
The Council of Ministers decided:
a) from 21 March 2022, to start implementing the measure "test to stay" in kindergartens, pre-primary and special schools for children aged 3 years and above. Specifically, children who are close contacts of a confirmed positive case will be able to come to predetermined locations announced by the Ministry of Health for a rapid antigen detection test (Rapid test) on the 3rd, 5th and 7th day after contact. On the remaining days (1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th) parents should have their children self-tested. The measure will be voluntary and more information on the procedure will be announced by the Ministry of Health.
From 21 March 2022, the lifting of the ban on overnight stays outside the facility for residents in nursing homes and closed facilities. Upon their return, residents will be required to present a same-day rapid antigen detection test (Rapid test) based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and the State Ministry of Social Welfare.
c) as of 21 March 2022, the lifting of the ban on school trips, based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
d) the extension of all existing measures until 31 March 2022.
The Council of Ministers decided to expropriate and requisition private property affected by the widening/improvement of Makarios Avenue C Phase B in Ipsos. The approximate estimate of the cost of compensating the owners of the parcels of land whose part is affected by the above Project amounts to €415,000.
The Council of Ministers approved the revised Financial Assistance Plan for former children under the legal care of the Director of Social Welfare Services, after the age of 18, for the purposes of rehabilitation and strengthening their social integration. The Scheme provides financial support to former children under the care of the DSS, upon reaching adulthood, in order to ensure opportunities for their smooth rehabilitation through studies, vocational training/education and purchase of household/vocational equipment.
Also added to the revised scheme is the coverage of a monthly rent amount for those children who have secured a place at a university abroad and/or in Cyprus, which will be paid on a semesterly basis. In addition, according to the revised Plan, a certificate of enrolment at the University for the current year, a rental contract of a residence or proof of payment of rent in the name of the beneficiary should be submitted at the time of application.
In addition, financial assistance for the purchase of books and/or other items necessary for attending higher/higher education institutions has been added to the provision of the Plan.
In addition, the Council of Ministers has decided to pay financial assistance up to a maximum total amount of €200.000 to farmers affected by the fires that broke out on 16 June 2021 in the communities of Agia Marina Xyliatou - Platanistassa, on 26 June 2021 in the communities of Tala - Koli and on 19 September 2021 in the communities of Yolou - Simou - Drymou - Drynia and caused damage to agricultural crops, irrigation systems, agricultural machinery and agricultural premises, based on the individual assessment reports to be prepared by the Department of Agriculture and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The compensation will be paid as de minimis aid. At the same time, the affected persons will be informed that when the state aid is paid, it will be offset against any debts to the State.
The Council of Ministers made the following appointments.
- Senior Management of the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority, member Neofytos Hadjigeorgiou for a period of seven (7) years.
- Plant Protection Products and Biocides Council for a period of three years from the date of publication of the Decision in the Official Gazette of the Republic. Chairperson Dr Androulla Georgiou, members Panagiota Sofokleous, Lysander Lysandridis, Niobi Papasavva, Andreas Hadjigeorgiou, Despo Christodoulou, Dr Maria Vassiliou, Dr Maria Orfanou, Constantis Spanasiis, and Marina Xenophontos.
- Pafos District Household Waste Disposal or Recovery Sites Operation Council, member Kyriakos Hadjivassili, Mayor of Geroskipou, replacing the deceased Michalis Pavlidis.
- Nicosia District Council for the Exploitation of Household Waste Disposal or Recovery Sites, member Neophytos Papalazarou, Municipality of Geriou, replacing Ms Fotoula Hatzipapa.
(PM/NG/IC)
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