At today's Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Health, Mr. 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, by the hospitals of the Ministry of Health and the vaccination coverage rates of the population were analysed and evaluated. The epidemiological indicators have been stable in recent days, with a decrease in the number of daily cases. There is no room for complacency and there is a need for constant vigilance by all to ensure that health protocols are strictly adhered to. According to data from the Ministry of Health's Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, from January 15 to January 21, 2022, 13,997 positive cases were recorded within the community, with the decline recorded across all age groups. The Ministry of Health is constantly vigilant and conducts an assessment of all scientific and/or epidemiological data 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, the replacement of laboratory PCR testing with a rapid antigen detection test (Rapidtest) 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
- by 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 respect 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 Rapidtest 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 "testtostay" 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 (Rapidtest) 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 Ministry of Health sampling points.
(d) the extension of all existing measures until 17 February 2022.
(AF)
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