Three new measures approved by the Cabinet concerning the test to stay, the rapid test and in kindergartens as well as variations in close contact releases.
At today's Cabinet meeting, Health Minister Michael Hadjipandela presented the recommendations of the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee discussed at yesterday's meeting, where the data recorded by the Tracing Team, the hospitals of the OCYPY and the rates of vaccination coverage of the population were analyzed and evaluated.
According to the announcement of the Ministry of Health, in recent days there has been a stable trend in epidemiological indicators, with the number of daily cases decreasing. No complacency is allowed and there is a need for constant vigilance on the part of all to ensure that health protocols are strictly adhered to. According to data from the Ministry of Health's Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, from 15 to 21 January 2022, 13,997 positive cases were recorded within the community, with a decrease recorded in all age groups.
The Ministry of Health is constantly vigilant and is making an assessment of all scientific and/or epidemiological data together with the Scientific Advisory Committee. The focus is on the safest possible functioning of society, with the aim of protecting and defending the health of all citizens. Taking into account the above and the fact that specific protocols need to be updated and measures need to be taken to allow society and the economy to remain functioning, the Council of Ministers has decided:
(a) from 28 January 2022, to replace laboratory PCR testing with a rapid antigen detection test (Rapid test) on day 7 as stated in the Close Contact Management Protocol for Confirmed Positive Cases and under this it should be self-limiting for 10 days.
- Therefore, release earlier than 10 days may be performed and
- with a Rapid test with a negative result on day 7, from contact or later, at own expense.
- The decision to replace PCR with Rapid test on day 7 excludes health care professionals working in private and government hospitals, nursing homes and closed facilities.
- With regard to the implementation of the "test to stay" measure in schools, students who are close contacts instead of PCR will be able to undergo Rapid test for release on day 7. (Therefore, students using this measure as of Monday, January 24, 2022, will be required to undergo a Rapid test for a period of 7 days through the sampling points announced daily by the Ministry of Health and operated at school sites).
(b) the application of the measure "test to stay" to health professionals in public and private hospitals, police and fire brigades.
- The date of implementation of the measure will be announced after consultation with the relevant Ministries and Agencies.
(c) From 28 January 2022, as recommended for children aged 2-5 years, a rapid antigen detection test (Rapid test) shall be carried out once a week for attendance at nursery and pre-primary schools.
- The Rapid test will be provided free of charge through the sampling points of the Ministry of Health.
(d) the extension of all existing measures until 17 February 2022.
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