He will seek the opinions of scientists on the current epidemiological situation in the afternoon at the scheduled meeting with the Scientific Monitoring Committee of the disease COVID-19 the Minister of Health, Dr. Popi Kanari, in which opinions will be raised regarding the issue of revoking the decision on non-mandatory mask use in specific areas.
As the KYPE is informed, in essence what will be examined is the return of the mask to old-age roofs, since most imports with COVID 19 in hospitals are from the elderly, mainly from nursing homes, and a strong recommendation for mask use in crowded indoor spaces will also be considered.
However, the same information states that the Ministry of Health is thinking about actions, such as free sample checks at central points (departments, supermarkets, etc.), however, such a possibility will be decided after hearing all opinions and suggestions.
In the meantime, the competent Ministry is monitoring the data provided by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and in the afternoon the actions of other countries will be presented, so that a comparison can be made.
It is noted that the epidemiological data in Cyprus, as in the rest of Europe, are gradually deteriorating. It is recalled that in Cyprus, in the week of December 21 to 27, 2023, 2.600 positive cases were recorded.
Besides, around 70 patients are currently being treated in hospitals, of which three - out of danger - in the Intensive Care Unit. These are mainly elderly people from 75 to 80 years old.
As an authoritative source reported to KYPE, positive cases are expected to increase in the coming days, due to the gatherings in homes and closed spaces during the holidays.
The same source stated that "at the meeting the new epidemiological data will be examined and the recommendations of the experts will be heard in relation to the ways in which the spread of the virus can be limited", while noting that "the decisions that will be made will arise on the basis of the new data that will be presented and after the recommendations that will arise".
In the event, however, that it is decided to restore some measure, then the Ministry of Health will immediately prepare a decree, which it will send to the Council of Ministers for approval.