Two out of five new cases randomly detected in Limassol

The Cyprus health ministry announced five new coronavirus cases on Monday, two of which were randomly detected in Limassol, where recent days have seen a concerning development of several active chains of infection.

Two of Monday’s five new cases were identified through the random sampling program launched in Limassol, though one of the cases was later identified as a contact of cases in the cluster formed in a Limassol supermarket. Both are local Limassol residents.

The third new case involved a member of the National Guard, who was by chance found positive for the virus through a routine test conducted prior to surgery. The army member, who is expected to complete his military service next September, was due to undergo surgery for a deviated septum. The health ministry said he has already been instructed to isolate, while his contacts have been located and tested for the virus, with results expected on Tuesday.

Two additional cases emerged from the random sampling program for arrivals at Cyprus airports. One involved a Cyprus national who arrived from London on Sunday, while the second involved a Cypriot woman who lives and works in South Africa, and who travelled to Cyprus via Paris and Athens on Sunday.

The five new cases emerged from the bulk of 2,581 laboratory tests conducted to check samples for the virus. They bring total cases in the Republic of Cyprus to 1,155.

Currently, the Famagusta general hospital, designated as the main coronavirus healthcare facility, is treating four patients in common hospital rooms, with all four described as being in good general health.

Fears of virus resurgence affecting north too

On Sunday, health authorities in the north announced five new coronavirus cases, which emerged after 1,531 lab tests were conducted. All five cases were contacts of another known case that was already placed in quarantine.

The north has so far announced 151 coronavirus cases and four fatalities.

The Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on Monday raised the alarm over the recent resurgence of the virus in the north, criticizing the reopening of the airport there, which he said was done without taking account the health risks, and which may lead to renewed lockdown measures.