Expats in Cyprus horrified that planes full of coronavirus-carrying Brit holidaymakers could arrive within weeks
BRIT expats in Cyprus have reacted with horror at the news tourists could soon be allowed in from the UK.
The popular holiday hotspot, which has been closed to Brits for months due to the coronavirus pandemic, recently revealed it could soon be opening up.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
The country is expected to give the green light to the return of visitors from the UK “within weeks”, Deputy Minister for Tourism Savvas Perdios said earlier this month.
But the announcement was met with disgust by expats living in Cyprus, who say their fellow Brits aren’t welcome.
Cyprus’ coronavirus numbers are among Europe's lowest, with just 985 cases and 18 deaths, after putting in place a strict lockdown and banning all visitors early on.
And many fear hordes of new arrivals from Britain – where nearly 300,000 have been infected and 42,000 died – could “undo all the progress”.
Margaret Joyday posted on Facebook: “Not yet please – we are safe here!”
Mark Brookes-Duncan said: “If they do [allow UK arrivals] it could easily ruin all the good work.”
And Santie Epstein wrote: “No ways! Far too early!”
Too early. UK has been lax and they've been out protesting in droves. They'll undo all the progress made here.”
Maria Jackson
Others suggested the massive Black Lives Matter protests that have seen thousands packing together in streets across the UK in recent weeks were a cause for concern.
Maria Jackson said: “Too early. UK has been lax and they've been out protesting in droves.
“They'll undo all the progress made here.”
Alexandra Awad said: “They should be tested and quarantined – they were protesting two days ago in masses!”
And Marlene Vasiliades wrote: “Not a good idea so soon and they haven't isolated like we did.”
Cyprus’ strict lockdown from mid-March to late May meant people could only go outside for exercise and essential trips, which needed to be approved by text message.
A curfew was also enforced every night, while commercial flights in and out of the country were banned.
Cyprus finally reopened its airports on June 9 to arrivals from certain countries where the Covid-19 numbers are low enough.
Britain did not make the list.
But the deputy tourism minister said earlier this month: “I expect this to change in a few weeks, as we re-evaluate the situation every week.”
And he told Sun Online he expected this to be in early to mid-July.
Most read in News
Cyprus is also pledging to cover all costs for anyone who tests positive for corona while on holiday there, in a bid to lure back nervous visitors.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Tourism accounts for 15 per cent of Cyprus' GDP and a record 3.97million tourists visited last year.
The Cypriot government says it will cover lodging, food, drink and medication for Covid-19 patients and their families.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – .
