Filenews 17 February 2021
There is a risk of a third wave of coronavirus, said the member of the Advisory Scientific Committee, Professor of Microbiology/Molecularbiology of the Medical School of the University of Nicosia Dr.Petros Karagiannis pointing out that we must avoid widespread domestic transmission of the virus.
The Professor said that there is always the possibility of a setback, noting that with the way surveillance is done on those who work with fast tests and the fact that we still have a good picture after the first relaxes, we may avoid a third wave.
"Of course the danger is real. What creates uncertainty is the possibility of dispersion of mutant strains, which will be apparent along the way. There is a danger, we know what has happened in other European countries. For us not to have a third wave is to have no widespread domestic transmission of the virus. So it's up to us to avoid it," he said.
Good epidemiological picture and relaxes
Dr Karagiannis said yesterday's results of the cases are encouraging as this is the second time we have had double digits. "There seems to be a further decline. We're in the second week after the relaxes and we're waiting until the end of this week, early next week to see if there was a problem because of these relaxes," he noted.
If we do not have a problem, this will allow us to move towards further easing soon if the Government decides to move in this direction.
"I think that at some stage there will be further easing. Whether these will be from 1 March has not yet been decided, perhaps next week we will also be asked to express an opinion,' he added.
Normalization during the spring and summer months
The Professor expressed the belief that the situation will normalize as we move towards the spring and summer months when the weather will allow us to avoid enclosed spaces. It will also help to increase the rate of vaccination coverage.
"Vaccinations are progressing rapidly, they are not delayed and any doses that come are available. We hope that Johnson & Johnson, who submitted their dossier for approval, will be cleared very soon, will also enter the battle. Fewer doses have been ordered from Johnson & Johnson but if the company has more stock it is up to the European Union to raise the number of vaccines. There is also Sputnik V that will seek approval from the Licensing Committee," he added.
Source: eyenews/CYPE
