COVID19

Cypriots still grappling with inflation woes

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Cypriots still grappling with inflation woes

– Inflation rate in Cyprus dropped to 1.2% in March 2024, down from 1.8% in February and 5.8% in March 2023.
– The cost of living in Cyprus is 14% higher than it was four years ago when the COVID pandemic began.
– Food prices in Cyprus have seen significant increases, with olive oil doubling in price and sugar spiking by 59.2%.
– Prices of staple food items like bread, rice, dairy products, and eggs have also risen over the four-year period.
– Prices of agricultural products, fuel, and electricity have also increased in Cyprus over the same period.

Cyprus lifts final Covid restriction, masks in hospitals

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Cyprus lifts final Covid restriction, masks in hospitals

Cyprus has lifted the last COVID-19 restriction, which was mandatory testing for visits to hospitals and care homes, on the fourth anniversary of the coronavirus reaching the island. The decision was announced by Health Minister Michalis Damianou after a Cabinet meeting. The change will take effect on Friday, with the amended decree to be published in the government’s Official Gazette. However, wearing a mask will still be required in hospitals, care homes, and other closed structures. This decision comes as the positive test results were a few hundred out of 80,000 samples, and hospitalizations were minimal. The coronavirus has taken 1,365 lives in Cyprus to date.

COVID19: Masks, tests are back as elderly cases rise

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COVID19: Masks, tests are back as elderly cases rise

The mandatory use of face masks and 48-hour tests has been introduced in Cyprus for staff and visitors at hospitals, nursing homes, and dental clinics due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, particularly among the elderly. The increase in infections is attributed to the JN.1 sub-strain of the Omicron-2 variant. Weekly inspections and tests will resume at care homes and shelters, and mobile vaccination units will be deployed to increase vaccination rates among the elderly. The new measures include a negative rapid or PCR test valid for 48 hours, and the use of masks is mandatory for anyone over 12 years old. Makarios hospital for children has experienced a high bed occupancy rate due to respiratory infection cases, primarily caused by the RSV virus. The number of coronavirus patients is higher compared to previous weeks, indicating community transmission. The hospitalized patients are mainly elderly, with some cases coming from nursing homes. Other infections are within expected limits, with an increase in RSV and mild cases of the flu.

The majority of Covid19 cases are from nursing homes, says the Minister of Health – Concern about the low vaccination coverage of the elderly

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The majority of Covid19 cases are from nursing homes, says the Minister of Health - Concern about the low vaccination coverage of the elderly

Many elderly people are not getting vaccinated because their family members do not want to get vaccinated. The Ministry of Health has sent mobile units to closed facilities for vaccinations. The Minister of Health, Dr. Popi Kanari, stated that people can still get infected with the coronavirus, but the symptoms will be much milder after vaccination. The Ministry is concerned about the low vaccination coverage among the elderly and is already taking measures. The majority of cases come from elderly care homes, with around 75 patients currently recorded. The Ministry has sent mobile units to these facilities for vaccinations. They will also provide masks and tests to staff and visitors. The Ministry will continue its efforts for vaccination, as they believe vaccinations should have been completed by October. They anticipate a possible increase in cases and patients in the future and emphasize the importance of convincing people that the vaccine protects them.

Surge in viruses pushes children, ’s hospital to limits

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Surge in viruses pushes children, ’s hospital to limits

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.