19/07/2021 15:08
Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas said the state is willing to listen to those who do not wish to be vaccinated and argue the state’s position in favour of vaccines.
Speaking on the sidelines of a visit to the State Fair Vaccination Centre in Nicosia, Hadzipantelas said “we cannot afford to be divided into groups, ie those who are vaccinated and those who are not. We are willing to listen to our compatriots who are concerned to get vaccinated and persuade them to do so if they decide”, he added.
Hadjipantelas was commenting on the attacks against DIAS group on Sunday which he described as unacceptable and deplorable.
He also said the aim of his visit to the vaccination centre was to ensure that vaccinations continue even after last night’s attacks.
The Jealth Minister said that on Saturday in Paphos, at a rapid test centre, there will be a mobile vaccination unit for those who want to get vaccinated. There will also be doctors available as well as a church representative to talk to people and answer questions.
Hadjipantelas also said that the walk-in vaccination centres continue to operate and today a total of 500 vaccinations were performed.
He further said that people from third countries who live on the island can be vaccinated to protect themselves. Those who are not legally on the island is an issue of concern and relevant announcements will be made in the next few days.
On her part permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, Dr. Christina Yiannaki said that around a thousand foreign nationals who are legally in Cyprus will be vaccinated today at the State Fair vaccination centre while the total number of foreign nationals vaccinated today throughout Cyprus will reach 5.745. By Sunday, 70% of people have received the first dose of the vaccine and 60.7% both.
“We continue, people should come and get vaccinated for the interest of public health, to stop the transmission chain, reduce hospitalisations and those intubated and ultimately, death”, said Dr. Yiannaki.