In a rare step underscoring the severity of this week’s heatwave, Cyprus’ Department of Labour Inspection ordered a blanket suspension of "moderate and heavy" outdoor work between midday and 4 p.m. on 22 July 2026. The directive specifically bans bicycle, scooter, moped and motorcycle deliveries—including food-delivery platforms and courier services—across low-altitude areas more than 10 km from the coast. The measure has immediate implications for gig-economy workers and the businesses that rely on them. Several restaurant chains in Nicosia and Larnaca switched to pick-up-only service during the restricted hours, while e-commerce operators warned customers of potential same-day delivery delays. Construction firms working on new tourist infrastructure along the Famagusta coast redeployed crews to shaded interior tasks in order to stay on schedule. For mobility managers, the work ban may disrupt relocation supply chains. Transporting household goods, bank documents and biometric kits to assignees’ temporary housing during the hottest part of the day is now prohibited in many districts. Companies are advised to coordinate early-morning or late-evening slots with service providers and include contractual clauses that acknowledge weather-related delays. The government has signalled that similar suspensions could recur whenever the heat-stress index exceeds 50 °C. Employers that habitually rely on two-wheel delivery—particularly last-mile document couriers handling immigration files—should therefore draft contingency plans that incorporate refrigerated vans or digital alternatives such as e-signatures.
Source: Cyprus Mail
