COVID-19 case rates, deaths, hospital and ICU admissions remain stable

For the period 14-20 of October, overall COVID-19 case rates, deaths, hospital and ICU admissions were stable compared to the previous week, while vaccination uptake for the second booster dose remains low in all groups, according to the epidemiological report on COVID-19 for the period 14-20 of October. 

The report says that between 14-20 October there were 2,640 new confirmed COVID-19 cases reported, compared to the previous week when there were 2,712 confirmed COVID-19 cases notified.

By age group, the highest number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases that week was in the age group of 30-34 years (8.7%) and 35-39 years (8.5%) and by district, the highest number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases  was Nicosia with 41.6% of notified cases.

The 7-day cumulative incidence was 294.6 per 100,000, stable compared to the previous period (7-13/10/2022).

By age group, the highest 7-day cumulative incidence in the current period was observed in the age groups 75-79 years and by district, the highest 7-day cumulative incidence in the current period was observed in Nicosia.

Regarding laboratory data of SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antigen tests, the report says that between 14-20 October, a total of 65,295 tests were performed, of which 2,776 (4.0%) were positive. The highest positivity rate was recorded for the age groups 0-3 years (5.7%).

Compared to the previous week there was an increase in positivity rate in the age group 0-3 and 75-79 years and a decrease in the age group 4-5 and 12-17 years.

From the community screening program (14-20 October) 10,366 tests were performed and 80 tests were positive (positivity rate in the community 0.77%).

Regarding disease severity, there were 41 new hospital admissions and 2 ICU admissions, respectively compared to the previous week when there were 48 new hospital admissions and 2 ICU admission.

In total, since the beginning of the pandemic 1,191 COVID-19 deaths occurred and between 14-20 October there were 2 deaths.

The cumulative uptake of a first booster (3rd dose) was 66% and for a second booster (4th dose) was 5.9% among adults aged 18 years old and older and 19.9% among individuals aged > 60 years old, the report says.