Cyprus Closes Schools Over Coronavirus Fear.

The Republic of Cyprus had on Monday reported its first two cases of the disease, including the chief heart surgeon at its biggest hospital. The Republic of Cyprus’ health ministry said all schools in the capital Nicosia will be closed for three days as a precaution against the virus.

On Tuesday, the Republic of Cyprus’ health minister Constantinos Ioannou extended the closures and announced a series of other measures to stop the virus spreading.

Cyprus is divided between EU member state the Republic of Cyprus and the northern third controlled by the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognised only by Ankara.

The Republic of Cyprus’ health ministry said all schools in the capital Nicosia will be closed for three days as a precaution against the virus.

Even before the first confirmed cases, fears over a spread of coronavirus had caused frictions between the north and south and sparked angry protests after the Republic of Cyprus on February 29 closed four of the eight checkpoints on the line dividing the island, initially for a week.

The four crossings would now remain closed until March 18, he said. The other four crossings will remain open.

“All mass events, gatherings, concerts, parades in public places including football and other games are cancelled,” Ioannou told reporters after a four-hour cabinet meeting held in response to the virus.

The ministry said it had put on lockdown Nicosia General Hospital for at least 48 hours to carry out a “deep clean” after its head of heart surgery tested positive for coronavirus following a trip to Britain.

It said it was disinfecting areas he had used, and instructed people who came into contact with the doctor, and anyone who had travelled to countries affected by the virus in the past two weeks, to self-isolate.