Cyprus recorded five COVID-19 cases on Monday

Five COVID-19 cases were recorded on Monday in Cyprus from a total of 1,504 tests, the authorities announced. Therefore, the total number of confirmed cases has reached 949.

Announcing the results at a press conference Dr Leontios Kostrikis, member of the Scientific Committee on the pandemic said that three people who were repatriated to Cyprus out of 160, tested positive, one person tested positive out of 104 tests carried out by the Microbiological Labs of the General Hospitals and one person tested positive out of 616 tests carried out in the context of a programme for testing 10,000 employees at hairdressing salons, barber shops, tattoo studios and restaurants.

No people tested positive out of 43 tests on people who came into contact with confirmed cases. Out of 333 samples tested in the framework of the programme for testing 20,000 pupils and school employees and 4 samples tested in the framework of the programme for testing 20.000 employees in the retail sector and at construction sites.

At the same time, no people tested positive out of 85 samples tested in the framework of the programme for testing specific groups of the population through Public Medical Centers or out of 159 samples carried out on private initiative.

“The total number of positive cases has reached 949,” he said.

Kostrikis said that the data do not show a drastic change in the epidemiological picture of the country, adding that they are “quite satisfactory.”
The epidemiological group of scientists, he assured, is following closely the data and there is no reason for concern.

He reiterated that the public should uphold the Ministry of Health’s protocols and remain vigilant.

On his part, Dr Marios Loizou, Scientific Director at the Nicosia Directorate of the Cyprus State Health Services Organisation only three persons were treated as inpatients at Famagusta General Hospital, which is the COVID-19 refence hospital, until 1500 hours local time today. Three other patients are on ventilators at Nicosia General Hospital Intensive Care Unit.

Loizou also referred to the beginning to the second phase of the national health system which is one of the most important reforms in the history of the Republic of Cyprus.

He urged doctors not to forget their social role. Right now, he said, we are absolutely focused to cover lost time but gradually our thoughts must turn to people whose lives have become more difficult due to the pandemic and its economic repercussions. He expressed the wish that Cyprus will be able to overcome all the consequences from the crisis caused by the pandemic

The three people who had been repatriated in Cyprus and tested positive were residing in a hotel allocated by the government until their test results came out and the Ministry of Health will now ascertain whether they may return home to stay in self-isolation or if that is not possible be transported to a rehabilitation center.