Hadjipantela: Health measures to be tightened in the next few days

The number of cases in the next few days will be a decisive factor in taking more measures, according to Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela, who said that if the positivity rate of hospitalizations is high, the scientific committee will convene to take further action.

He also said it is most probable that the measures will become stricter.

On Sunday the Health Ministry announced 912 new COVID cases and 162 hospitalizations. The positivity rate stands at 1,7%. No deaths were reported.  The total number of deaths since the pandemic broke out is 628 and the total number of cases in Cyprus stands at 150,760.

Speaking on Boxing Day during a visit to the Famagusta COVID Reference Hospital to show his support to health professionals who “fight a daily battle to better serve patients”, he said.

He wished 2022 will be a better year, noting “it is up to us, whether or not we decide to become vaccinated and continue following the measures announced by the Health Ministry”.

Hadjipantela said he visited the hospital to see for himself if there is pressure due to increased hospitalizations. “There does not seem to be great pressure at the moment at the Reference hospital”, he said.

Regarding the increased positivity rate on Christmas Day despite the small number of people tested, the Minister said that they were due to the large number of arrivals. However, “we will see the results of cases in the next two to three days and then take decisions. If the positivity rate is high as well as hospitalizations, then we will meet with the scientific committee to discuss further action”, he added.

The Omicron cases on the island, said Hadjipantela, are mostly imported from the United Kingdom and Greece. And PCR checks at the airport are extremely important since 50 cases daily are being detected in people who have traveled outside of Cyprus. 

The minister also announced that an additional 30 thousand Pfizer slots will be available through the vaccination portal today, 27th December.  And from 3-4 January children who will be home for the holidays will have a chance to be vaccinated, accompanied by their parents.

Meanwhile, the hospital’s director said that currently there are 30 patients with COVID in the hospital. Two are intubated and 80 percent are unvaccinated. The youngest patient is 25 years old and the oldest 90.