Cyprus imposes night-time curfew, extending coronavirus lockdown

Cyprus imposed a curfew on Monday to contain the spread of coronavirus, extending a broad lockdown introduced two weeks ago after a weekend surge in recorded cases.

From March 31, people with only some exceptions are banned from leaving their homes after 9 p.m. 6 a.m. the following morning, the health ministry said.

The measures, the most stringent imposed in peacetime, add to restrictions on leaving homes only with a permit. The new curbs would also mean people leaving home on a stated errand could do so only once a day, while fines for those violating the order would double to 300 euros ($330.99), authorities said.

Cyprus took measures early to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Ahead of most European nations it partially sealed its borders on March 14, then extended the shutdown to all air links effective March 21.

But a sharp weekend increase in cases...