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- Ελληνικά
The Covid-19 Scientific Committee has been renamed the Scientific Advisory Committee.
This was stated by the Minister of Health, Dr. Popi Kanari, at a meeting she had today with the members of the Committee, which focused on the recent epidemiological data concerning Covid-19 disease, other respiratory infections in Cyprus, as well as new variants of interest.
During the meeting an update was given on the existing measures in place to limit the spread of Covid-19 in the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Health's plan for vaccination coverage against Covid-19 and influenza was discussed. In parallel, the Ministry of Health's roadmap for maintaining Covid-19 preparedness was reassessed.
As Dr Kanari pointed out, each member of the Committee will be assigned specific tasks based on their expertise. She added that the number of Commission members has been significantly reduced. "The aim is to make the Commission as flexible and responsive as possible in order to be able to deal with a potential health crisis in a prompt and effective manner," she added.
As regards the epidemiological picture in our country at the moment, the same picture is observed in relation to the epidemiological activity of Covid-19 in Europe. There is a slight increase, she noted, which however does not worry us as there is no corresponding increase in patient admissions to hospitals.
"In any case, we follow the recommendations of the ECDC and the World Health Organization and we are ready in case the epidemiological picture changes or further recommendations are published by international organizations," the minister concluded.
Asked whether there is a possibility of repealing the measures currently in place for Covid-19, the Minister said that there is no such intention as the Ministry's objective is to protect vulnerable groups.
Regarding the Vaccination Programme, Dr Kanari said that the vaccines have already been ordered and the programme will start in October. At the designated Vaccination Centres, she explained, vaccinations will be given for both Covid and influenza. She also noted that the influenza vaccine will remain available to personal physicians.
Asked whether the small increase in cases is due to the new variant of Covid-19, Dr. Kanari said that a small percentage recorded is due to the new variant.
With regard to the start of the new school year, she noted, recommendations have been sent to schools to adhere to specific health measures against Covid-19. Asked whether there is a possibility of adopting measures in the event of an increase in cases in schools, Dr Kanari noted that the Ministry of Health will assess the situation on an ongoing basis and will take all appropriate measures if necessary.
(DK)
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