Filenews 22 January 2021
Laboratory tests for SARS-CoV-2 virus detection have remained at a high level since the beginning of the pandemic, using the molecular method (PCR test) and the antigen rapid test. On the basis of the recommendations of the European Centre for Infection Control and Prevention (ECDC), and in the context of the ongoing surveillance of the epidemiological picture in the country, the Ministry of Health has from the outset based its strategy on the pillar of conducting increased tests in the community. This practice keeps Cyprus at the top among European countries in terms of the number of tests in proportion to population.
In particular, between March 2020 and 21 January 2021, 1,287,943 tests were carried out in Cyprus and a total of 29,636 CASES OF COVID-19 were detected. The positivity rate is currently at 2.3%, recording a significant decrease over the past week.
As of 21 January 2021, 791,630 laboratory tests were carried out using the molecular method and 18,518 cases were detected (positivity rate: 2.34%), while 11,118 positive cases resulted from 458,270 rapid antigen tests (positivity rate: 2.43%).
Increased laboratory control of the population ensures the other pillars of the pandemic management strategy, those of early detection of positive incidents, isolation and tracing of their contacts. According to ecdc, increased laboratory surveillance of state populations, combined with the restriction of social contacts, reduces the likelihood of transmission of the virus to the community.
Source: eyenews
