Filenews 10 February 2021
A further reduction in the number of cases is expected in the coming days, according to the member of the Advisory Scientific Committee, Professor of Microbiology/Molecular Iology of the Medical School of the University of Nicosia Dr. Petros Karagiannis, who nevertheless points out the need to be alert due to the British mutant strain.
In statements to the CYPE, Dr Karagiannis praised the improved epidemiological situation following yesterday's results. "It's encouraging that we had yesterday and for the first time double digits for quite some time now. I hope that we will remain in double digits and fall lower, even with the opening of retail and primary schools," he noted.
The quick tests used to monitor the condition, he said, will help us identify any problem in a timely manner, and as vaccinations progress and we at least shield the elderly and nursing home residents, "I think we'll do well."
On alert for the British executive
Asked if there would be further easing of measures, the Professor said everyone expects this, noting that he does not know when they will take place, since no timetables were discussed at the meeting held at the Presidential Palace two weeks ago.
However, in expressing his position, he pointed out that "if our epidemiological picture is such as it is now and improved even further, I see no reason why there should be no further easing. But what we must always keep in mind is that the British mutant strain is now being marketed in Europe, which is more easily transmitted and may cause more deaths. We must be alert because it can cause us a particular problem and upset the image we have at this stage."
Dr Karagiannis said we know the strain came to Cyprus, but what we don't know is to what extent it was responsible for the outbreak we've had since Christmas.
"We know from reports that it is also in the occupied territories and at least perhaps it is the minority of cases that are now occurring there. So there is always a danger not only that it will come to us from Britain but from the barricades, when and when there is trafficking."
When do we get back to normality?
Asked to say when we would return to our normal lives, Dr Karagiannis pointed out that this would depend entirely on the vaccination coverage achieved as soon as possible and on updating vaccines to treat mutant strains. It seems, he noted, that the South African strain is largely not recognized by the antibodies produced by existing vaccines.
AstraZeneca vaccine and Israeli medicine
Professor Karagiannis, commenting on what is being said these days about the AstraZeneca vaccine, said this has been licensed by the European Union Medicines Licensing Commission for all ages and has been used for two months in Britain. According to the information, he noted, the response is very good in the elderly and can even be protective up to 85%.
For the Israeli drug that has been created, he said, it is an experimental drug that needs to be put into clinical trials. "The fact that it is inhaled acts where the virus multiplies, i.e. in the cells of the mucous membranes and by extension its action there can prevent the most severe symptoms. We need to see now its effectiveness in phase 2 and 3 studies,' he added.
Source: CYPE
