January was the pandemic’s deadliest month for Cyprus since the start of the outbreak, the ministry of health announced in a report on Friday.

The report, which covers data from the outbreak in March 2020 up until February 16 2021, showed that 31 per cent of total deaths took place in January.

Out of the 227 deaths recorded so far, 86 took place in January, with December coming second at 85. The upward trend began in November with 35 deaths, a stark contrast from the minimal numbers of the summer months, when no more than 4 deaths were recorded per month.

Nicosia and Limassol have fared the worst, both in terms of deaths (84 and 65 respectively) and cases recorded. Thirty-seven per cent of those dying from coronavirus were Nicosia residents, and 29 per cent resided in Limassol.

Larnaca came third, with 43 deaths, while Paphos and Famagusta accounted for 18 and 11 deaths respectively.

Sixty-seven per cent of total deaths were men, with the remaining 33 per cent women.

About a quarter of total deaths came from the 80-84 years age group, with 66 deaths.

Limassol remains in a dangerous spot, with 970 cases recorded between February 3 and 16, and accounting for 52,8 per cent of current hospitalisations.