174 cases detected, Limassol care home cluster grows

174 new coronavirus cases emerged in the Republic of Cyprus on Tuesday after 4,033 tests were conducted, raising total cases to 4,934.

Among Tuesday’s new cases were two who formed part of a growing cluster involving staff and residents of the Sokratio Melathro care home in Limassol, the health ministry said.

Earlier on Tuesday, local media reported that 11 of Tuesday’s cases were detected at the Limassol police headquarters, with 30 more officers instructed to isolate.

75 of Tuesday’s cases involved contacts, while another 75 were people who took the initiative to get tested. Five more were tested at general hospitals, while nine involved arrivals at Cyprus airports.

Eight more involved people who were part of special health groups or who got referred for testing by their GP, while two more were detected in the framework of the program targeting school staff and students.

The Famagusta general hospital is currently treating 27 coronavirus patients, four of which are in the ICU. The Nicosia general hospital 10 more are receiving treatment in a coronavirus ward.