Cyprus sees uptick in COVID-19 cases amid winter surge

Dr. Christos Charalambous, from the Epidemiological Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases Unit of the Health Ministry, reported a slight increase in COVID-19 cases in Cyprus in recent days. Between November 24 to 30, over 990 new cases were recorded.

The rise in cases is attributed to the winter months, and Dr. Charalambous emphasized the importance of vaccinations, particularly for vulnerable groups, as a preventive measure against both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.

Comparing the weeks of November 17-23 and November 24-30, there was an increase in the weekly number of cases, positivity rate, and daily hospital admissions. The authorities reported 995 cases in the last week of November compared to 705 in the preceding week.

Notably, the cumulative frequency in the Nicosia district is significantly higher at 58.3%. The most affected age groups were 40-44 years (9.7%) and 55-59 years (9.4%). The 7-day cumulative incidence per 100,000 inhabitants increased by 29.1%.

Laboratory tests conducted between November 24-30 totaled 25,074, with a 4.0% positivity rate, compared to 25,253 tests and a 2.8% positivity rate in the previous week. The highest percentage of positive tests was among those aged 85 and older (9.4%) and 0-3 years (8.1%).

In terms of hospital admissions and Intensive Care Units (ICUs), 26 new admissions were recorded from November 24-30, compared to 13 admissions to hospitals and two to ICUs in the week of November 17-23.

Dr. Charalambous also noted a slight increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections since the last week. From November 27 to December 3, 13 RSV cases were recorded, compared to eight from November 13 to 16. Among these cases, 20 were pediatric, mostly involving children under one year of age, with one case in a 93-year-old individual with comorbidities.

Dr. Charalambous urged adherence to basic preventive measures during the winter season, emphasizing frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact, ensuring good ventilation in closed spaces, and the use of masks where necessary. He advised individuals who are sick to avoid contact, especially with those at high risk.

[Information sourced from CNA]