Content_paragraphs:  Incidents of pushback were noted, both from the buffer zone and at sea, 
  
  rendering asylum seekers at risk of refoulement. On 5 February, five Syrian nationals, 
  
  including two women, were intercepted in Pyla and directed back to the north by the 
  
  Cyprus Police. In addition, witnesses reported that asylum seekers who had presented 
  
  themselves to the police at the established crossing points in order to seek asylum 
  
  were denied access to asylum procedures, with the explanation that this was due to 
  
  COVID-19 restrictions. Some asylum seekers attempted to cross through the vario us 
  
  sections of the buffer zone and became stranded there for several days.