With targeted increased test programs, the effort to ensure the proper restart of society and the economy continues. The Government's strategy was based from the outset on conducting mass tests based on the recommendations of the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC). The policy of Cyprus to monitor the epidemiological situation in the community with targeted controls in social and economic sectors is recognized by the ECDC, which in many cases has given praise to our country.
Particularly in the context of the strong concern at European level because of the virus mutations that, being much more contagious, affect the spread, continuous epidemiological monitoring of the community is ensured through tests both in the general population and in the targeted population. The practice of Cyprus has recently been adopted by other countries in Europe, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, recognizing the importance of tests in dealing with the pandemic.
In the week of March 1-5, 273,314 rapid antigen tests were performed through the program of the Ministry of Health, ie 20% of the population over 12 years old were examined, while typically in the three days of March 5-7, 142,217 tests were performed.
It is recalled that the tests work in addition to the other personal protection measures and health protocols and in no way are a panacea for pandemic management. A negative test result does not replace the responsibility for compliance with distance, mask and personal hygiene measures. In the same context, the citizens who show symptoms, should contact their Personal Doctor immediately, in order to avoid aggravation of their health and to prevent hospitalizations.
Combined with vaccination coverage of the population, monitoring the implementation of the measures and constant vigilance by the whole society, the policy of tests contributes to the safe and effective exit of the country from the health crisis and the return to normalcy.