Cyprus cases just shy of quadruple digits

An unprecedented surge in covid cases in the middle of the summer has prompted officials in the Republic of Cyprus to seek more scientific guidance after new daily infections reached 993 on Thursday.

The scientific advisory committee on the pandemic was schedule to meet Friday evening at 7pm to assess a new situation, as Cyprus continues to report an increase in COVID cases just shy of one thousand.

Hospitalizations were also on the rise with the positivity rate standing at 2.03%, as Cypriot authorities on Thursday reported 107 patients were receiving treatment in hospitals with 28 of them described as being in serious condition.

The news of 993 cases came a day before Cyprus introduced its latest measures to slow down the spread of the coronavirus, including measures targeting crowded places and entertainment venues where people need to show a Safe Pass to have access in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

A Safe Pass can be used by individuals to prove that they have been vaccinated, recovered from a coronavirus infection, or tested negative in a rapid test valid for 72 hours. Businesses favoring the first two categories are allowed to have more customers at any given time while the government has also announced incentives and counterincentives to boost vaccinations on the island.

Safe Pass requirements previously included but then excluded again outdoor venues, with officials having second thoughts last week after it emerged that multiple chains of infection were linked to young people attending graduation parties and concerts.

Owners and managers of business establishments, such as bars and nightclubs, are responsible for checking eligibility at the door, something that has drawn criticism from many in the industry as well as some politicians.