Fact: Despite the closure of European and Cypriot airspace for Russian aircraft and companies under sanctions, many Russians continue to arrive on the island for tourism mainly through third countries. As of November, there were 61,796 tourist arrivals from Russia, surpassing the number of tourists from European countries with direct air connections.
Cypriots are expected to surpass pre-Covid numbers with about 1.7 million packages abroad this year, according to the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA). Greece and the UK are the top destinations for Cypriots, followed by Austria, France, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Germany. Cypriots typically travel for an average of 4 to 5 nights. Traveling during the holiday season is now more feasible and accessible for the majority of Cypriots due to increased connectivity and newly added destinations. There is also emerging interest in more distant destinations, particularly in the Far East. Preferences for destinations often depend on the availability of direct flights.
The Makarios hospital for children in Nicosia has a bed occupancy rate exceeding 90% due to an influx of respiratory infection cases, primarily caused by the RSV virus. Over half of the hospitalized children are under 12 months old, and lower respiratory infections are the second most prevalent ailment. The Director of the hospital’s paediatrics department predicts an increase in cases after the reopening of schools. Currently, four children are admitted with COVID-19. Additionally, around 60 elderly patients with COVID-19 are hospitalized in public hospitals, indicating community transmission. The spokesperson for the State Health Services’ Organization mentions that there is an increase in viral and bacterial infections, including RSV, but they are within expected limits. The flu is expected to pick up from mid-January to the end of February.
Fact: Ukrainian couple Lesia Shestakova and Oleksandr Shestakov will celebrate Christmas together on Dec. 25 for the first time.
The fact described in the text is that Ukrainian couple Lesia Shestakova and Oleksandr Shestakov will celebrate Christmas together on December 25 for the first time.
The security services of Austria, Germany, and Spain have indications that an Islamist organization wanted to carry out multiple attacks in Europe. The German police conducted checks at the Cologne Cathedral and made at least one arrest. The security services of Austria, Germany, and Spain have indications that the targets of these potential attacks could be churches in Cologne, Vienna, and Madrid. In France, five people were arrested in connection with a terrorist organization. The French authorities have been on high alert due to the Christmas and Epiphany holidays and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.