Cyprus to shut checkpoints for first time since 2003 over coronavirus

NICOSIA (Reuters) - Cyprus will close four checkpoints on the divided island for a week as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, the first closure since crossings between the two sides were eased in 2003 after decades of estrangement.

Any decision to curb movement on the island is politically sensitive because of the territorial split between its Greek and Turkish Cypriot populations since 1974, when Turkish forces invaded after a brief Greek inspired coup.