"The rapid deterioration of epidemiological indicators recorded in Cyprus in recent weeks due to the prevalence of the Omicron variant leaves us no room for complacency," the Ministry of Health said in a statement.
»As the Ministry of Health we are constantly on the alert, and we evaluate all scientific and / or epidemiological data together with the Scientific Advisory Committee. "Our guide is the safest operation of society, with the aim of protecting and safeguarding the health of all our citizens and especially of our vulnerable groups", underlines the Ministry of Health.
At the same time, the Ministry of Health notes that "With a positive percentage of more than 3% and more than 28 thousand cases since the last meeting of the Council of Ministers, OKYPY hospitals are working tirelessly to respond to the increased number of hospitalizations, a fact that we take seriously, since the protection of public health is a key factor in our every decision. Following the suggestions of the scientists, at this stage it was deemed necessary to take further protective measures in the school units, in order for the schools to remain in operation and to detect the positive cases of coronavirus in time, without depriving students of their basic right to education.
Therefore, the Council of Ministers in its session today decided:
(a) from 17 January to 16 February 2022, the integration of the measure "test to stay" in Primary and Secondary education, in order for the schools to remain in operation and to detect the positive cases of coronavirus in time. Close contacts of confirmed cases that have no history of vaccination, instead of being restricted, will undergo a daily rapid antigen test (Rapid test) for a period of 5 days. This decision concerns only the students and the Rapid test will be carried out by the mobile units of the Ministry of Health that will visit the schools.
(Β) from 13 January 2022, lifting the ban on visits to nursing homes and enclosed structures, with entry only to persons who have completed their vaccination program and have not passed the 7-month period, or who have a disease certificate and have not passed the within 90 days, or received the booster / 3rd dose, provided that they present with a negative Rapid test on the same day.
(c) from 14 January at 5:00 a.m., as accepted for travel purposes to the Republic of Cyprus either a 72-hour PCR laboratory test or a 24-hour Rapid antigen detection test. In addition, in case of positive events, at least 10 days must have passed from the date of positive sampling to travel to the Republic of Cyprus. It is reminded that until January 31, 2022, all passengers over 12 years of age must undergo a PCR laboratory test upon arrival at the airports of the Republic of Cyprus and within 72 hours of arrival, Rapid antigen test (Rapid test), with the exception of those receiving the booster / 3rd dose of vaccine.