COVID-19 cases surge ahead of festive season

In a recent statement to the Cyprus News Agency, Elizabeth Constantinou, the Director of Medical and Public Health Services, highlighted a surge in confirmed coronavirus cases, expected to intensify during the upcoming festive season due to increased social interactions. The results from December 1 to December 7, 2023, indicate a rise in the positivity rate, with 1,538 confirmed cases and a positivity rate of 1.97%. Although hospital admissions only slightly increased to 32 compared to the previous week's 29, Constantinou attributed the uptick to heightened social contacts and gatherings in enclosed spaces.

Anticipating a holiday-related surge, Constantinou urged the public to get vaccinated, emphasizing the low vaccination rate, with only 18,000 of the general population vaccinated. She emphasized adherence to personal protection measures, particularly for those with upper respiratory infection symptoms, urging them to self-isolate and wear masks when necessary.

Highlighting the vulnerability of individuals above 75 years of age, Constantinou urged timely vaccination to ensure adequate protection. She reassured the absence of new virus strains in the community but stressed the importance of observing protective measures during the festive season to curb the spread of upper respiratory infections.

[Sourced from CNA]