Countdown to the return of pupils and teachers to classrooms on Monday, as Cyprus faces the onslaught of the Omicron mutation and the number of hospitalisations rising, again testing the strength of the health system.
Officials say the situation remains manageable for now but the next few days are considered critical. Yesterday the Ministry of Health announced that 244 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, of which 83 are in serious condition. A percentage of 77.05% of hospitalized patients have no history of vaccination.
Asked whether he is concerned about the increase in the number of hospitalized patients with coronavirus, speaking from Limassol yesterday, the Health Minister said "It is an issue that we see every day and accordingly if we need to take any additional measures, always in collaboration with experts, we will decide."
Re-evaluation of measures on Tuesday
The measures in force will be re-evaluated on Tuesday by the Health Minister and members of the Scientific Advisory Committee to decide the next steps and whether tightening is necessary. Asked if there are thoughts of putting restrictions on travel, Michael Hadjipandela said he must first listen to the experts then he will take a position on this.
Regarding the possibility of reducing the self-limitation days[/B] for the general population as already decided for health professionals, this will be considered on Tuesday, given that the data and the results that the reduction of quarantine has had on medical staff should be evaluated first.
Focus on... Deltacron
Experts are also turning their attention to a new mutation which is a combination of "Delta" and "Omicron", according to Dr. Leontio Kostrikis who led research on the subject. The Ministry of Health is aware and currently it is not a matter of concern, according to the Health Minister.
Pupils return... vaccinations increase
Yesterday and ahead of the return to schools, 465 children from 5 to 11 years old received the vaccine and were shielded against covid disease in Limassol, with the Minister of Health and the President of the Cyprus Paediatric Society expressing satisfaction.
Meanwhile, students are rushing to secure a negative rapid test to return to their schools on the basis of a directive given by the Ministries of Health and Education that a negative 48-hour rapid antigen detection test will be required.
Yesterday, again long queues formed at sampling points and pharmacies where rapid tests are carried out, including from children accompanied by their parents rushing for the test.
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