The health minister and epidemiologists on Wednesday afternoon decided not to impose tighter measures due to a new wave of Covid-19 cases, despite the increase in cases and hospitalisations.

Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela and experts agreed that at this stage there is no reason to reintroduce measures, Politis newspaper reported.

According to reports, an evaluation of the data obtained so far from the infections and hospitalisations was made and the discussion on the preparation for the possibility of a new wave in the autumn began, while it was decided to further strengthen the information for the public on personal protection measures.

The proposals that will be brought before the Council of Ministers on Thursday are as follows:

  • 24-hour tests instead of 48 for entry to nursing homes and hospitals (Safepass)
  • sampling units outside public hospitals
  • Recommendation to use masks outdoors as well
  • Recommendation for rapid testing before social events such as weddings and christenings.
  • Conduct seminars for GPs in relation to the prescribing of antiviral drugs.

Cyprus, like many other countries, has seen a surge in coronavirus infections in recent weeks. According to figures cited by Alpha TV, some 10,000 positive cases have been recorded in the past four days.

Citing sources from the health ministry, it said that 3,300 cases were recorded on Monday, 2,430 on Tuesday and some 4,000 over the weekend.

More than 70 per cent of the infections concerned people aged to 60, with clusters found at weddings, events, funerals, concerts, night clubs, gyms, and summer schools, it added.

But with the number of Covid-19 patients in serious condition still in single figures, authorities appear to be holding back on introducing additional measures.

Officials have repeatedly said that hospitalisations, which have risen to above 100, was the crucial indicator. They say the situation remains under control, and the ministry is making arrangements with private facilities to also treat coronavirus patients.

Amid a low take up for the second booster dose, those eligible (over 60 years old and the medically vulnerable) are being encouraged to receive the jab.

There has also been an increase in imported cases, either by tourists or Cypriots returning from holidays with Greece top of the list followed by Italy and the UK, it said.

Meanwhile, there have also been reports of a spike in Covid-19 cases in the north. Turkish Cypriot news outlet Yeni Duzen reported that compared to a month ago where there were about 30 cases a day, this number has risen to 300 cases per day.