The Cypriot Ministry of Health gave SigmaLive some explanations on how to properly use the authorization SMS system, which returned to the lives of Cypriots since January 10. Recall that until the end of the month, in order to leave the house, you need to send a message to the number 8998 and get approval. In doing so, medical officials have formulated the “lockdown philosophy” as a maximum reduction of being outdoors and in public places.

SMS with a request for permission to leave the house should be composed as follows: the reason (its ordinal number from the list below) space passport number or ID (only numbers, no letters) space zip code. The text of the sent SMS is not editable, you can not cancel it, so you have to be careful when typing each message, because you can send up to 2 messages per day.
The answer to the SMS can be both positive and negative.

There are eight permissible reasons for going out during a lockdown:

1. A visit to a pharmacy, doctor’s office, clinical laboratory or vaccination center.
2. A visit to a convenience store.
3. Visit to the bank (if not resolved remotely).
4. Urgent visit to a state institution, LSG body or citizen’s service center. 5.
5. Assistance to people who cannot serve themselves or who are in self-isolation. 6.
6. Physical exercise and sports activities in authorized places.
7. Attendance at funerals, weddings and christenings.
8. Any other valid reason.

The Ministry of Health also clarified the concept of a “reasonable period of time” during which the permit is valid – it is a maximum of three hours. If you do not get home in time, you need to send another SMS.

There are also a few cases where sending SMS is not required.