Filenews 23 February 2021 - by Marilena Panagi
Given the deterioration of the epidemiological situation in Cyprus in the coming period, both scientists and the Ministry of Health, however, this time it seems that any suggestions prepared and finally put before the President of the Republic at tomorrow's meetings at the Presidential, will move in the context of careful and gradual de-escalation, and will be more adapted to the needs of the citizens but also to the economy of the country.
The most prevalent date for the reopening of the dining areas is 15 March. However, given the carnival season (2-14/3), it is not excluded that the pressures from the business world will increase in the coming hours, since as early as yesterday they saw the light of official positions of the stakeholders.
The reopening of the dining areas is, however, also a puzzle, for the Scientific Advisory Committee since and among its members, as reported by information of the "F", different views are recorded, with several of the scientists arguing that these spaces should remain closed for longer and some others considering that on the one hand the economy needs strengthening and on the other hand the fatigue of citizens is now great.
In fact, the scientists who are said to belong to this 'school' of thought also described yesterday during their teleconference with the Minister of Health the urgent need to better inform citizens about the protection measures and the individual responsibility of each, calling for the more active involvement of the scientific committee responsible for the psychological support of citizens, in the whole effort.
The scenario for the reopening of restaurants on 8 March and cafes on the 15th of the month was not raised during yesterday's teleconference of Konstantinos Ioannou with the members of the EES, but the Presidential has not yet said its last word.
Schools and the return of pupils to classrooms appear to remain outstanding again - until the final Cabinet meeting on Thursday, although information from "F" indicates that for their part scientists are presented ready to give the green light for the reopening of all levels of education with a physical presence, since they consider that since students now have the opportunity to congregate in other public places, their stay at home does not serve to try to stop the further dispersion of the crown in Cypriot society. On this issue, of course, the final say, as always, will be given by the Ministry of Education and the position of the minister responsible will be decisive at the Cabinet meeting.
As regards the remaining relaxes which will probably be granted from 1 March, these will concern:
> Theatres and cinemas
> Gyms
> Dance schools and other team or individual sports
> Carers
> Possibly opening more outdoor spaces
In yesterday's minister's and EES conversation, no further easing of churches was raised in the debate. However, it is not excluded that the Cabinet will also take specific decisions in this case.
For their part, the members of the EES will today have their established meeting and will determine their final proposals which will probably then also be put before the Technical Committee composed of technocrats from the four ministries of health, finance, labour and education involved, before reaching the Council of Ministers on Thursday.
On Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., the EES will go to the Presidential Office to inform the President of the Republic and the four ministers about the epidemiological data as they will have been developed over the next 24 hours and to formally submit their contributions to the Government. Shortly afterwards, the President of the Republic, together with the scientists, will inform the Political Leaders and it is not excluded that what is said at this meeting will also affect the final decisions to some extent.
Probably remains 8998 and sms
Despite all the loosenings granted, the restrictions on travel probably remain while in 8998 and SMS, they will accompany us for a few more weeks. However, the possibility of increasing the number of text messages that every citizen will be entitled to every 24 hours over the next period has not been discussed.
The curfew measure remains in force, but it is not out of the question that the start time of the ban will move more slowly.
Increased domestic transmission
There is a great deal of concern among scientists about the way in which citizens perceive the dangers behind the dispersion of the coronavirus. Information from the "F" indicates that several of the members of the EES have already raised several times in their discussions the issue of better informing citizens about issues of individual responsibility, since they consider that the key to tackling the pandemic is proper cooperation between citizens, scientists and the State.
Yesterday's reflection of the EES became even more intense, following the analysis of the data of the last few days by the head of the tracing team Valentino Silvestro, during an early meeting held under the Minister of Health. During this meeting, the members of the EES who participated allegedly raised their concerns with the Minister of Health and the possibility that the increased transmission of the virus was also due to the mutations of the coronavirus, the main feature of which is increased communicability.
In particular, and according to the data recorded in the last week, case tracing has shown that there is now an increased transmission of the virus at the domestic level.
These data show that, 'compared to the first wave, there is an increased transmission of the virus to family members', which is largely attributed to the fatigue that characterizes citizens.
Similar complacency is also observed in workplaces, where it appears that health protocols are not faithfully observed in the socialisation of staff in the workplace (e.g. common breaks, non-application of personal protection measures during breaks, etc.)'. It is recalled that 50% of workers are allowed to be physically present in service undertakings and that compliance with the health guidelines should be ensured in any case.
