Cyprus announced a two-week partial lockdown starting Monday, April 26, as hospitals struggle to cope with surging coronavirus cases, with restrictions covering the key Orthodox Easter holidays.

"The growing number of infections, combined with intense pressure on the health system, cannot leave us indifferent and requires difficult decisions, drastic measures," Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou told reporters.

The new restrictions, which started April 26 will extend until May 9, mean that people are encouraged to work from home and must seek authorization for only one non-work-related trip daily.

Non-essential shops will close, and a 9pm to 5am curfew will be imposed.

Restrictions will be slightly eased for Orthodox Easter at the start of May.

After May 9, people wanting to gather, such as in a restaurant, must provide either a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours or proof they have either had their first vaccine dose or have been infected with the virus within the past three months.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Cyprus confirmed 62,349 cases and 298 deaths.