Cyprus darts past 100 mark for confirmed coronavirus cases

Eight more people tested positive for coronavirus on Friday in the Republic of Cyprus, three of which involve health practitioners at the Paphos General Hospital.

The remaining new confirmed cases involve a member of staff at the Limassol General Hospital (not a health practitioner), one doctor at the Evangelismos private hospital in Paphos, and three were contacts of other confirmed cases.

The new cases brought the total to 75 in the Republic of Cyprus, three of which were within the British Bases, and 45 of which were contacts of other confirmed cases. The north remained stable at 33 confirmed cases.

Of the total confirmed cases, two were being treated at the Limassol General Hospital Intensive Care Unit, with their condition described as stable. A total of 12 more confirmed coronavirus cases were being treated at the Famagusta General Hospital, two of which have tested negative to follow-up tests and show positive signs of having overcome the virus.

In a press conference on Friday Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said that cases are expected to see a sharp rise in the coming days, as over one thousand people are set to be repatriated from abroad.

Ioannou urged the public to stay home, and assist the healthcare system’s efforts in breaking the chain of infection.