We have the same concern as everyone about the Omicron variant, said on the show of Sigma Mesimeri kai Kati the pulmonologist Haris Armeftis as he said there is a case of a mutation to inactivate the vaccine and the disease to become more severe. "But on the other hand, it is too early to draw safe conclusions because in the past we had publications about mutations which in the process did not cause a health problem. So the next few days will give us safe data for more correct conclusions ".
Asked if the recent outbreak of the pandemic could lead to lockdowns after the holidays, Dr. Armeftis said "We all wish things did not get there. Someone who makes a cool analysis and sees that one country after another is being taken to strict measures, combined with an increase in hospitalizations for other diseases, an increase in cases of both vaccinated and primary school children, with all this not it is too much to say that even stricter measures or even lockdown are on the agenda. Lockdowns are not announced in advance ".
"It is a personal assessment because the number of times lockdowns have been imposed in Cyprus have never been announced before. In the end it arises from necessity. Locdkown becomes that the system and hospitals are in danger of collapsing when the ICUs are full. "The best thing is what we need to do now to avoid lockdown."
Dr. Armeftis said that it is encouraging that the vaccinations are slowing down a bit, but those who did not take the third dose should take the dose and those who have not been vaccinated should be vaccinated, which is a 15%. "Countries like Malta and Portugal show that when it exceeds 82% of the general population, they feel that there is greater security."
Regarding the protests of some parents, he said that those who react must give another solution if they have. "Should we close schools? If this situation continues, with mathematical precision we will be led to the closure of schools. "Will it be better?" He asked.
"Some facilities, and some modifications to make the measures more functional are welcome suggestions, but I disagree with entering into a logic that we do not want measures because there is an overwhelming majority of parents who accept the measures," he said.
Among other things, he said that the WHO recommendations for the use of masks for children aged 5 and under are not recommended. From 6-11 when there is a transmissibility problem is not a problem. For some children who due to peculiarities can not wear, another solution will have to be found.