Authorities in Cyprus have ordered the suspension of outdoor work and urged the public to avoid open-air activities as high concentrations of dust swept across the island on Friday.
The Department of Labour Inspection announced early in the day that all outdoor work and activities must be halted and rescheduled due to the elevated dust levels.
Dust concentrations exceed safety limits
According to measurements from ground stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network, concentrations of particulate matter PM10 exceeded 200 micrograms per cubic metre, significantly surpassing acceptable limits.
The department said the decision was taken under the provisions of the Safety and Health at Work (Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons at Work during Dust Episodes) Decree of 2022. Authorities stressed that outdoor operations should only resume once the phenomenon subsides.
Officials added that airborne particle concentrations will continue to be monitored and a new announcement will be issued once levels return to normal.
Sports activities also affected
Separately, the Cyprus Football Association recommended the suspension of outdoor sporting activities due to the dust episode.
In a statement, the association said dust levels recorded on Friday, 3 April, were several times above permissible limits. Following guidelines issued by the Cyprus Sports Organisation, it advised that outdoor activities should remain suspended until conditions improve.