Fact: Overnight security guards and CCTV cameras are set to be installed to protect schools from potential vandalism and trespassing over the Easter holidays. The CCTV cameras will only be placed in schools deemed to be at a higher risk of criminal activity.
The Cyprus government is ending an 8 cent subsidy on fuels after it expires on March 31, resulting in an initial increase of 7 to 8.3 cents a litre for motor petrol and diesel, along with a 6.3c hike on heating oil. The government also plans to introduce a green tax on fuel, which has been delayed until after the summer holidays. The impact of the green taxation on businesses and households is expected to be small, with compensatory measures provided to vulnerable population groups.
Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, is undergoing preventative chemotherapy after tests following major abdominal surgery in January revealed cancer. She had been hospitalized for two weeks in January for what was described as successful, planned surgery for a non-cancerous condition. Subsequent tests, however, found cancer, leading to her current treatment. Kate, aged 42 and the wife of Prince William, the heir to the throne, shared this information in a video message, noting that she and Prince William have been managing this privately for their young family. King Charles, her father-in-law, also announced in February that he was to have cancer treatment. Kensington Palace has not disclosed the type of cancer Kate has but stated she began preventative chemotherapy in February and is on a recovery pathway. Kate has been absent from official duties since her surgery, planning to return after Easter, and has not appeared at a public event since Christmas Day. She and William decided to keep her cancer diagnosis private until their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were on school holidays.
– The person lives in Nicosia with their two dogs.
– For breakfast, they had toast and coffee.
– Their perfect day involves spending a full day at the beach or in the forest, depending on the weather.
– The best book they’ve read is “The Courage to Be Disliked” by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi, which offers a new perspective on changing one’s life and achieving happiness.
– Their best childhood memory is family holidays by the sea.
– Juice is always in their fridge.
– They are currently listening to Jet in the car.
– Their spirit animal is a horse, symbolizing power and freedom.
– They are most proud of remaining humane in a cruel world.
– A memorable movie scene for them is the last scene of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
– They would choose to spend an evening by the sea with their best friend if they could pick anyone to go out with.
– They are not interested in time traveling, preferring to live in the present.
– Their greatest fear is the death of their loved ones.
– They would advise their 18-year-old self to always believe in themselves and be proud of who they are.
– Arrogance, sexism, or racism in a person would stop them from dating someone.
– If the world were ending in 24 hours, they would continue living life as they are currently.
– Tourism in Paphos has not yet been significantly affected by the conflict in Israel, but there is concern about potential impacts in 2024.
– The tourism industry in Paphos has recovered following the pandemic.
– Israelis are canceling planned holidays and weddings in Cyprus due to the military operations that began at the end of 2023.
– Leisure centres catering to domestic clients in Paphos have not seen a decrease in business, but those focusing on international tourism are experiencing a decline.
– Businesses affected include those in Kato Paphos, Coral Bay, and Polis Chrysochous.
– Israel is the second most important tourist market for Cyprus.
– The ongoing conflict in Israel is causing lost reservations and uncertainty in the tourism sector in Paphos.
A regular visitor from Sweden, Nils Ove Hallin, has been honored with the title of ‘Tourism Ambassador of Ayia Napa’ after his 25th visit to the resort town. This recognition was given by the Municipality of Ayia Napa, and Hallin was honored at the Ayia Napa Municipal Hall by the cultural officer, Maria Tofini Tsantila, who presented him with a commemorative plaque and the badge of ‘Tourism Ambassador’. The municipality expressed gratitude for his numerous visits and special preference for Ayia Napa, considering him not just a visitor but a citizen of the town.
Tourist arrivals in Cyprus for February 2024 increased by 5% compared to February 2023, with a total of 125,034 tourists. The increase in tourist arrivals for the first two months of 2024 reached 1.6% compared to the same period in 2023. The main sources of tourism in February were the United Kingdom (24.6%), Poland (13.3%), Israel (10.6%), and Greece (10.3%). The majority of visitors in February traveled for vacation (66.8%), visiting friends or relatives (17.8%), and business (14.2%). Trips by Cypriot residents abroad in February 2024 increased by almost 12% over the previous year, with 114,110 trips recorded. The main destinations for Cypriot residents were Greece (32%), the United Kingdom (11.6%), and Italy (4.6%). The primary purpose of travel for Cypriot residents was holidays (70.6%), professional reasons (23.4%), studies (4.6%), and other reasons (1.4%).
Fact: Strikes will ground flights on Thursday at some of Germany’s biggest airports, including Frankfurt, due to industrial action by transport workers.
The text states that there is increased commercial activity in the market after the holidays, during which sales were not satisfactory for the clothing and footwear sector. Discounts this year range from 20% to 50%. The Secretary General of the Cyprus Retail Trade Association (POVEK) observed increased commercial activity after the holidays compared to the holidays themselves, during which sales were not satisfactory. The discounts offered by businesses are between 20% and a maximum of 40%-50%. The article also mentions complaints received by the Cyprus Consumers Association regarding return policies and incorrect pricing. The association suggests that a code of consumer ethics should be binding for businesses.
The mandatory use of face masks and 48-hour tests has been introduced in Cyprus for staff and visitors at hospitals, nursing homes, and dental clinics due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, particularly among the elderly. The increase in infections is attributed to the JN.1 sub-strain of the Omicron-2 variant. Weekly inspections and tests will resume at care homes and shelters, and mobile vaccination units will be deployed to increase vaccination rates among the elderly. The new measures include a negative rapid or PCR test valid for 48 hours, and the use of masks is mandatory for anyone over 12 years old. Makarios hospital for children has experienced a high bed occupancy rate due to respiratory infection cases, primarily caused by the RSV virus. The number of coronavirus patients is higher compared to previous weeks, indicating community transmission. The hospitalized patients are mainly elderly, with some cases coming from nursing homes. Other infections are within expected limits, with an increase in RSV and mild cases of the flu.