Cyprus maintains positive streak as just two new cases emerge

Cyprus maintained its positive streak on Friday after just two new coronavirus cases emerged in the Republic after the testing of 1,957 samples for the virus, while no new cases were reported in the north.

The two new cases brought the total confirmed cases since coronavirus broke out on the island on March 9 to 891. Cases in the north remained stable at 108.

The two new cases involve one contact of another known case and one person who took the initiative to get tested for the virus.

The small number of new cases is a positive sign, experts speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing said, especially since Friday marked the fifth day after the island plunged into the first phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions.

According to Dr Marios Loizou, by 3pm on Friday the Famagusta General was treating nine coronavirus patients, one of whom was in the ICU.

Five more coronavirus patients are intubated, one in the Limassol General ICU and four in the Nicosia General ICU.

Five more patients with the virus are being treated in hospitals other than the Famagusta General Hospital.

The condition of all hospitalized patients is described as critical but stable.

As part of the gradual easing of restrictions, outpatient clinics across Cyprus began accepting patients for urgent and non-urgent examinations since Monday.

“The lifting of restrictions amid the pandemic was a particular challenge for all hospitals, particularly state hospitals, which were also treating an important number of suspected and confirmed coronavirus cases,” Dr Loizou said, noting that the initial fears of the public were quickly calmed as strict protection measures were taken.