Contacts with booster shot not required to isolate

The government in the Republic of Cyprus says close contacts who have received a booster shot against the coronavirus are not required to isolate during the holidays, but scientists are still studying the potential impact of the new omicron variant.

According to the latest guidelines issued by the health ministry, persons who receive their booster dose against the coronavirus are not required to self-isolate even if they are close contacts of infected individuals.

No obligation for self-isolation also applies to vaccinated individuals who have completed their basic vaccination no more than seven months earlier or those who have recovered from the bug in the last 90 days.

Unvaccinated persons, as well as those whose latest vaccination has not occurred within the last seven months, will be required to self-isolate.

According to the latest guidelines, persons who contracted the coronavirus and recovered more than three months earlier will also need to self-isolate if identified as close contacts of infected individuals.

More details can be found here about the latest guidelines, including definitions of close contacts and isolation instructions.

The guidelines refer to vaccines authorized by the state and are believed to offer strong protection against the coronavirus including the currently dominate delta variant.

But local epidemiologist Michalis Voniatis has told the Cyprus News Agency this week that he worried that cases would skyrocket with the arrival of Omicron.

Scientists and public health officials are still studying the potential impact of the recently identified omicron variant.

Minister: "the Cypriot citizen is responsible and will do the right thing"

Experts say COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing people from getting sick with the virus but health officials still warn that even people who are fully vaccinated and who have received a booster should continue to take steps to stay safe.

Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela said he was optimistic over the development of the situation during the holidays but warned the public to adhere to health and hygiene protocols.

Hadjipantela, an accountant by profession who also served as president of Anorthosis FC, said it was important for all citizens to follow health measures.

“The Cypriot citizen is responsible and will do the right thing and we will be okay,” Hadjipantela said.