The situation in hospitals is considered manageable following the increased hospitalizations due to seasonal infections, said Health Minister Neofytos Charalambides on Wednesday, noting that no additional measures are needed at this time.
In his statements after the visit he made to the Nicosia General Hospital, Mr. Charalambides said that "the situation, as the Health and Social Welfare Authority informs us, is manageable and no additional measures are currently needed," adding that securing beds from private hospitals is not considered necessary either.
Infections at the same levels as last year
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Responding to questions about the increased traffic to Accident and Emergency Departments and the increased hospitalizations, Mr. Charalambides noted that the issue was not specifically discussed today, however, he said it is a perennial challenge every winter season.
He recalled that before the Christmas holidays, institutionalized meetings were held with all the bodies involved, during which the levels of infections were examined.
As he said, the epidemiological picture is moving at approximately the same levels as last year, possibly slightly lower, adding that the Health and Social Care Authority assures that it is managing the situation "in the best possible way", while the Ministry is informed almost daily about the occupancy of the beds.
Regarding the spread of RSV, the Minister of Health stated that the situation is being closely monitored and relevant instructions are constantly being issued to all involved bodies.
Declining trend of influenza, RSV and COVID
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Moreover, speaking to reporters, the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Elisabeth Constantinou, who accompanied the Minister, stated that cases of influenza, RSV and COVID are showing a downward trend, while noting that additional decisions will be taken if necessary.
Regarding the recent flu deaths - the number of which, he said, remains at 32 - he explained that after the holidays the expected annual peak was observed. Finally, regarding deaths, he stated that the number remains at 32.
As he said, there was a significant public response to the vaccination, while he reminded that free special immunization is provided for newborns through the pediatricians of the General Health System and that there is a vaccine available for adults, which the elderly can receive preventively through their personal physician.
Possible second wave in March
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Responding to a question about the possibility of a second wave, Dr. Constantinou said that the epidemiological curve usually shows a new surge around the beginning of March.
However, he estimated that there is still time for vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups and the elderly, who have not yet been shielded.
He also said that the second wave is usually milder than the first and, as a rule, the B strain of influenza prevails, with no deviation from the usual epidemiological behavior expected.
Regarding hospitalizations, Ms. Constantinou stated that they are "somewhat lower compared to the previous week", both in Intensive Care Units and in general hospitalization beds, attributing the decrease to the decrease in cases.
Source: KYPE
