A vaccination programme for enclaved Greek Cypriots has been nearly completed, presidential commissioner Photis Photiou whose portfolio includes humanitarian issues, told the Cyprus News Agency on Wednesday.

He said that the programme covers the Greek Cypriots in Karpasia and Maronite residents of the Maronite villages in the north. About 500 people aged over 18 are being vaccinated with the second dose administered in most cases.

“We are towards the final stages now. The last jabs are expected to be administered next week,” he said.

The vaccination rate is very high, and those who were initially hesitant have changed their minds and are now taking up the vaccine, he added.

And he praised the contribution of the two medical professionals in Rizokarpasso and Kormakitis for implementing the programme.

Moreover, he said efforts have been made to vaccinate those among the enclaved currently in the government-controlled areas because of the closure of the checkpoints. These individuals have been vaccinated on the basis of the health ministry’s age-based programme.