NICOSIA — The COVID-19 pandemic that has limited international air traffic and commercial passengers now has seen Cyprus forced to stop mail service with 22 countries because it can't find air carriers for deliveries and pickups, including to Brussels, home of the European Union's headquarters.

Effective immediately, mail to and from will also cease until further notice to Argentina, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Norway, Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Finland, a number of EU countries among them.

The Cyprus Mail said the post office will, however, continue to accept items to be sent to Egypt, Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Greece, United Arab Emirates, USA, Japan, India, Ireland, Spain, Israel, Italy, Canada, Kenya, China, Kuwait, UK, Bahrain, South Africa, South Korea, The Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Czech Republic, Philippines and Hong Kong.

“We remind our customers that the delivery of mail is not done under normal conditions. Therefore, the transport, handling, handling and delivery of items to the countries of destination is delayed,” the announcement said.

“We also inform you that efforts are being made to cater to other destinations which will be announced when mailing becomes possible,” the ending of service coming just before the busy Christmas season when people mail gifts.

“The Quickpost international courier service is available to almost all countries in the world for urgent shipments of items,” the post office also said.