Coronavirus: British Forces Cyprus Introduces Stricter Measures

Further measures have been put in place at British Forces Cyprus amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The new rules follow those made by the Republic of Cyprus on Monday night.

The measures, that came into force at 6pm local time on Tuesday, include restrictions on movement and the closure of "public gathering spaces".

It also sees the "suspension of all but essential operational and business activity", a Sovereign Base Areas spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson said cooperation between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus was "essential" in tackling the spread of COVID-19.

Last week, British Forces Cyprus announced a third person had tested positive for the virus on the base.

Schools in British Forces Cyprus and other sites, including gyms and restaurants, are already shut. 

Nearly 6,000 British military personnel and their dependents are based in Cyprus.

The UK's Sovereign Base Areas on the island cover 98 square miles. 

Cover image: The entrance to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus (Picture: PA).