in-cyprus 8 April 2020 - Josephine Koumettou
The Council of Ministers is convening today and is expected to announce new measures on the lockdown and the repatriation of students stranded abroad.
The meeting follows yesterday’s announcement that 29 more had tested positive to Covid-19 in the Republic of Cyprus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 494 (including ten in the British Bases).
The 29 cases were found after 1353 tests with experts voicing cautious optimism of stabilisation, while insisting on strict compliance with the measures.
Nine people have died so far from the virus, and another five died while infected but Covid-19 was not recorded as the final cause of death.
25 people are currently being treated at Famagusta referral hospital as the American Medical Centre reopens to the public and Polis Chrysochous hospital sees its second health professional test positive to Covid-19.
Polis Chrysochous will also be taking samples from citizens on Wednesday to be tested for Covid-19 that are partly subsidised by the municipality.
Two more positive cases were announced in the Turkish-held north on Tuesday evening, bringing its total to 94. Three people have died there so far from Covid-19.
Repatriations continue today through Larnaca airport for those eligible, as applications are flooding in by students through connect2cy platform who want to return home.
The state is catering to the medical needs of Cypriots abroad sending supplies to 42 people in 13 different countries.
Meanwhile, the Labour Ministry is expected to extend its support packages to afflicted businesses and individuals until June 12, Phileleftheros reports.
Police on Wednesday recorded a drop in decree violations overnight booking 76 drivers and pedestrians, significantly down on the 127 booked in the same period the previous night.
In other news:
Another positive case was found yesterday in the presidential guard.
The Education Ministry has announced the first measures to support the cultural sector.
Petrol stations report a massive slump in business due to the lockdown.
People were caught playing football and enjoying a swimming pool in Paphos amid lockdown.
The CovTracer app has become popular with citizens.
And two Cypriot scientists in the UK show us how to make reusable face masks at home.
