Health ministry meeting called to assess need for masking measures

A meeting has been called at the health ministry over the rapid rise of Covid-19 infections on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, health services announced the public is encouraged to get vaccinated with the latest updated coronavirus jab, available without appointment at all health facilities, as well as pharmacies.

Health services organisation (Okypy) head Pambos Charilaou, on Tuesday said that around 70 people are currently being treated in hospital, of whom three were in intensive care and out of danger.

Health Minister Popi Kanari will convene with the members of the Covid-19 scientific advisory committee in the afternoon to assess the situation and determine whether reintroduction of mandatory measures is required, in particular, the use of masks in public places and transport.

Charilaou had noted that the majority of those hospitalised had not received a Covid-19 jab during the autumn months, which had seen a disappointing vaccination uptake rate, and may have caught the virus during the holiday period, when people were more frequently mixing in close quarters.

He also said that most of those admitted are aged between 75 and 80 years old, and mainly coming from nursing homes.

Charilaou urged the public to continue to observe public hygiene measures and to avail themselves of the simplified vaccination procedure.