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Cyprus’ health minister releases new travel guidelines for holidaymaking Brits

The UK will enter Category B on 1st August based on current epidemiological data.

The Manc The Manc - 9th July 2020
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Cyprus’ Ministry of Health has confirmed this morning that the UK will enter Category B on 1st August based on current epidemiological data. 

Cyprus has been exempt from FCO guidelines since 4th July, but certain travel restrictions are in place.

Those flying from countries in Category A can enter Cyprus with no restrictions, but those flying from Category B are required to have a coronavirus test (PCR test) conducted 72 hours before they travel.

Cyprus is a hotspot for British holidaymakers who flock to the island each year to soak up the sun and make up 33% of the Cypriot tourism market.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) states that: “From 4 July, Cyprus is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel [and] this is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.”, but current coronavirus (COVID-19) foreign travel restrictions, as also stated on the gov.uk website, do declare that you can only enter Cyprus if you can show proof that you are a legal resident of Cyprus or a Cypriot ID holder, and a have a negative PCR test result that has been taken in the previous 72 hours.

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Cyprus’ Ministry of Health has also announced this morning that Cyprus will no longer be offering PCR tests at the airports for passengers arriving from countries in category B, unless they are Cypriot citizens or have residency on island.

Cyprus' Ministry of Health Υπουργείο Υγείας Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία, have said the UK will enter category B on 1 August…

Posted by UK in Cyprus – British High Commission Nicosia on Wednesday, 8 July 2020

A negative PCR test, less than 72 hours old, will still be required for passengers to board a plane from the UK to Cyprus from 1st August.

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Travellers will be expected to pay for the test, which is currently around €60 (£54) and the test results will be available up to 24 hours later, with those tested being asked to self-isolate while waiting for their results.

The Visit Cyprus website details a current list of counties in each category.

The list will be reviewed and reevaluated on a weekly basis, and with the UK set to be placed in Category B on 1st August, it will be join countries such as France and Spain.

For the latest Cyprus/UK travel updates, please refer to official sources via the gov.uk website here.

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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester firefighter surprise proposal recruit passing out parade

We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.

Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.

The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.

Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…

Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.

As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.

You already know the rest.

Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.

You just love to see it.

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Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.

If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.

All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

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Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Peter Kay statement after Co-op Live gigs cancelled for the second time

Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.

The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.

He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.

Co-op Live has also postponed The Black Keys, who were set to perform on Saturday.

Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.

He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”

He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”

The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.

Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.

The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).

“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.

“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.

“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”

Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”

They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.

Touch wood.

This could back to bite them. It already has once before.

“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.

“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.

“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.

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“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

Read more

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Group

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