Over four thousand Covid-19 tests conducted so far

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics has carried out over 4,000 coronavirus tests so far, its Chief Executive Medical Director Leonidas Phylactou told the Cyprus News Agency on Thursday, adding that samples are continuously arriving at the Institute for tests.

According to Phylactou, 300-500 samples are being tested every day, with the Institute remaining fully able to fulfil the task on a daily basis.

Asked if Cyprus has the required consumables to carry out the tests, Phylactou noted that "there are adequate reagents for the time being", noting that however "there is a lack of reagents worldwide."

Phylactou, also the co-chair of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health, said that there is continuous contact and exchange of information with the Turkish Cypriot community about the confirmed cases.

He also noted that the Greek Cypriot community has provided to the Turkish Cypriot community certain medicines that were needed. 

The coronavirus oubtreak, which first emerged in Cyprus in early March, has so far seen 132 confirmed cases in the Republic of Cyprus (three of which were in the British Bases), while the north has confirmed 47 cases.