Cyprus second in EU for coronavirus testing

Cyprus ranks second among 29 European countries in coronavirus tests per 100,000 people, according to figures released by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on Friday.

Cyprus, following the guidelines of the ECDC, supported the Centre`s strategy for the management of the coronavirus pandemic by boosting tests, targeting specific population groups but also the general public.

During the second wave of the pandemic, health authorities focused on testing employees of operating businesses and residents of residential institutions through rapid and PCR tests.

Free rapid test stations were also placed in several spots across the island, allowing authorities to get a better picture of the epidemiological situation and curbing any further spread of the virus by positive cases.

According to the ECDC, strong testing strategies, in combination with other measures, contribute to the reduction of positive cases and pave the way for the gradual relaxation of restrictions in place.