Expert furious over violators out and about

A local expert on the government covid task force says the behaviour of some people, who have been instructed to isolate due to suspected coronavirus infection, is "outrageous and criminal" when they don't answer calls from health officials.

Professor Petros Karayiannis issued a warning during a televised interview over the weekend, saying COVID-19 was on the rebound and people ought to realize that conditions will be more ideal for the spread of the bug due to the fall season.

"We see the virus spreading, it has to be brought under control," Karayiannis said.

The professor said already officials were concerned over a cluster that has grown to 18 known carriers, adding that family members and close friends as well as strangers were found to have been infected.

Karayiannis illustrated his concerns by commenting on recent news, including Omonia foodball fans celebrating in the streets without social distancing or wearing face masks, a chain of infection in another soccer team, and confirmed cases within the Kiti diocese.

While the government has allowed football again and also weddings to go forward, Karayiannis said, "people and fans in particular ought to be particularly mindful of this" in order to avoid similar incidents with those that took place in the streets a few days ago.

He also commented on recent reports that some individuals with suspected cases kept failing to pick up the phone when health officials tried to reach them, saying people who have been instructed to remain isolated until final test results are back should "stay put instead of being out and about."

"This is outrageous if not criminal behaviour," Karayiannis said.