Police on Saturday urged people using the checkpoints for entry and exit to and from the Limassol and Paphos to have their papers ready to prevent long waiting lines.
Only some groups of workers and others are allowed to travel to, from and between Limassol and Paphos after the almost total lockdown imposed on these two districts due to the high numbers of coronavirus cases detected in recent weeks.
The measure will be in place until the end of the month, while people who fall within those categories, must present a confirmation from their employer and other documents depending on the case.
Plastic barriers were placed in nine areas on Friday to prevent unauthorised access.
But the procedures are causing long lines of vehicles, police said. Therefore, drivers were urged to have all the necessary documents ready to present at the roadblocks to minimise the waiting time.
Police said that they will not fine people who try to leave or enter these districts without the necessary documentation but they will not be allowed to enter or exit.
As of 5am on Wednesday November 18, all those persons exempt from the travel restrictions will additionally be required to display a negative PCR [coronavirus] test that has been issued at most seven days prior to the date of travel.
The health ministry announced that these tests would be given to beneficiaries free of charge, while workers are required to get tested in their district of residence. Testing started on Saturday in most districts while in Paphos it is expected to start on Sunday.
People in Limassol lined up to get tested outside the lab designated by the health ministry to carry out the tests.
Some told the Cyprus News Agency they had to wait for more than two hours to get tested and complained because only one lab was assigned this task by authorities.
In the meantime, the fisheries department clarified that travel of amateur fishermen from other districts to Paphos and Limassol was not allowed.
The authority also said that people from Limassol and Paphos were free to go recreational fishing in reservoirs and from beaches within the district they reside.