The fact of the introduction of the new coronavirus that appeared in China is distant for Cyprus, however, the competent services are on alert for any eventuality and the people should not panic, said to KYPE, the Director of Medical Services and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health Constantine.
"We consider that it is somewhat remote to have the introduction of such an incident due to the fact that we do not have direct flights from the specific areas. Nevertheless, we are vigilant, we are following very closely the developments and the instructions and recommendations issued by the international organizations that are the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). "People should not panic," he said.
The virus broke out in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, where a pneumonic outbreak occurred, with the Chinese Health Authority announcing on January 9, 2020 that it was a new strain of coronavirus.
According to Ms. Konstantinou, the symptoms refer to an acute respiratory infection, with possible symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed. The suspicion of infection from the new coronavirus presupposes a trip to the city of Wuhan or contact with confirmed cases from the day of return until 14 days later.
He noted that according to the decision of the World Health Organization, the issue has not been raised at this stage as a public health event of international interest. They are expected to meet again in the coming weeks to re-evaluate data.
"They have issued recommendations to China as well as to other Member States. In the case of us in the other Member States, they suggest that we should step up prevention measures against the spread of the virus. To be very well monitored for any symptoms in the population, quick detection, isolation and management of incidents if any ", he added.
From the side of Cyprus, Mrs. Konstantinou continued, we have issued some instructions to the public and travelers. "Guidelines are being prepared for the various groups of health professionals who deal with patients in order to be informed about the disease and written instructions which will be given to the health personnel present at the country's entry points, ports and airports. "Oral communication has already taken place with health professionals at ports and airports," he added.