rapid test

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.