Cyprus lifts outdoor work ban as dust begins to ease across island

Authorities in Cyprus have lifted a suspension on outdoor work imposed due to high dust levels, as conditions begin to improve.

The Department of Labour Inspection said it has withdrawn its earlier directive halting outdoor activities because of elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM10).

Under a 2022 safety regulation, employers must monitor actual dust levels in their area and act in line with the relevant provisions to protect workers’ health.

The department said real-time data is available through the official air quality website and the mobile app Air Quality Cyprus.

It added that it will continue to monitor the situation and will issue a new announcement if necessary.

Separately, the Department of Meteorology extended its warning for the African dust episode until 18:00, noting that conditions are expected to gradually improve later in the afternoon.