Cyprus' main Covid hospital at 96% capacity

The Famagusta general hospital reached 96% capacity on Wednesday, the hospital’s scientific director Amalia Hadjiyianni said.

She said the hospital is currently treating 72 coronavirus patients, whose ages range from as young as 17 years old to 70. She said the 17-year-old and other young patients receiving treatment do not have underlying conditions, but nevertheless developed symptoms of respiratory infection such as pneumonia, and required intravenous treatment or oxygen therapy.

Hadjiyianni said that the island’s epidemiological situation has over the past few days shown significant signs of deterioration, with hospitals beginning to fill up again due to the relaxation of restrictions. She called on the public to show greater discipline and follow a stricter adherence to measures in place.

Despite the influx of patient admissions, Hadjiyianni said the situation is still manageable, adding that if the situation continues to spiral the Health Ministry and the State Health Services have drawn up a plan to increase the number of beds that each hospital can cater to.

The Cabinet on Wednesday pushed back to Friday the crucial announcement on whether Cyprus will be moving forward with further relaxations, citing a rise in daily cases and hospitalizations.

Food and drink spots were eagerly expecting Wednesday’s announcement as they were initially scheduled to resume operation on March 16 after suffering through protracted periods of closure.

Daily new cases have marked a steady climb in the recent period, reaching an explosive high point on Tuesday, when health authorities announced 420 new coronavirus cases.