Epidemiologists pushing for the return of the mask

The continuous rise in the number of covid cases is worrisome despite the fact that the number of new infections has yet to result in serious hospitalizations. With new cases having reached 10,879, (positive rate in all tests 11.62%), the Scientific Advisory Committee is now looking at the possibility of reinstating the requirement to use protective masks in order to cut down on infections, especially during the summer. The government, for its part, continues to insist that the reinstatement of measures at this stage is not among its priorities, however, it is still among the possibilities bearing in mind a possible increase in hospitalizations, which for the week of June 24 – 30, 2022 amounted to 75 with 4 in serious condition. The issue with the masks and their possible reinstatement will be clarified next week during the meeting of the Minister of Health with the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee. According to information from "K", committee members are split 50/50. Some support the reinstatement of the mask in some indoor spaces and the other half support the status quo.

The position of the government

The Ministry of Health makes it clear that a possible reinstatement of the mask will only come after a unanimous vote from the committee and a substantial increase in hospitalizations, especially serious ones. Another factor that is delaying the adoption of measures is the image it may portray to the rest of the EU member states. As government sources emphasized in "K", no European country has reinstated measures despite the fact that they too are seeing an increase in new cases. As the same source explained to us, Cyprus cannot be an exception at a time when the tourist season has begun. As the same source pointed out, it is not possible for a British tourist, for example, whose country has abolished the mask, to come to Cyprus and be obliged to wear it even indoors.

Private individuals

Since last Thursday, private hospitals have allocated a number of beds for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Already the American Medical Center has made available 2 beds with the prospect of it increasing to 10 soon. Until July 15th the Eden Rehabilitation Center, which received a hospital license, will allocate 30 beds for COVID-19 patients.

[This article was translated from its Greek original]