19,503 cases of coronavirus from a total of 147,623 examinations within 12 days, not only sounded a warning bell but also alerted the competent authorities. The fact that the positivity rate reached 13% seems to have been what led to the reintroduction of the use of protective masks indoors.
A decision, which as reported in a previous Cyprus Times[/B], was taken today by the Council of Ministers.
"In recent days there has been an increase in all epidemiological indicators worldwide, as well as in the number of inpatients in hospitals. The increase in infections is due to variants BA.4, BA.5. and its evolutionary substrains," a statement from the Ministry of Health said. Specifically, according to data from the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Health, from 25 June to 5 July 2022, 19,503 positive cases were recorded within the community, out of a total of 147,623 tests (positivity rate: 13%).
"The epidemiological trend of recent days raises the need to review protective measures in an effort to halt the spread of the virus and safeguard public health" said the Minister of Health himself, speaking after the end of the Cabinet meeting and announcing the return of the mask in enclosed spaces.
Specifically, the Council of Ministers approved a proposal by the Ministry of Health to reinstate the measure of the obligation to wear a protective mask indoors and outdoors for persons over the age of 12, from 8 July 2022.
The following are exempt from the above regulation:
- Households,
- Persons actively drinking or eating,
- Persons travelling in a personal vehicle alone or with other family members (including minor children),
- Persons during sport/physical activity (e.g. (e.g. gyms, dance schools, etc.),
- Bakers/cooks, only during baking,
- Persons with special cognitive abilities/mental/developmental disorders who do not comply with mask application,
- Persons with severe neurological/neuromuscular disease that prevents them from handling the mask
- Persons with anatomical maxillofacial variations/malformations and/or injury.
It is recalled that failure to comply with the measures is a violation of the Decree and the fine of €300 shall be borne by the individual and not by the business/establishment.
The Ministry of Health reiterates its appeal to citizens to observe personal protection measures (mask, distance, hand hygiene) in order to prevent further deterioration of the epidemiological picture. The Ministry of Health in cooperation with the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee evaluates the data on a daily basis and where necessary, measures are taken to safeguard public health.
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