Filenews 10 July 2021 - by Marilena Panagi
Epidemiological indicators in red, Cyprus in deep red on the map of the European Union and the Government has since yesterday put in place new measures in an effort to put pressure on the unvaccinated to be vaccinated, in anticipation of the descent of tourists in early Autumn. The scientists assessed the situation, the Agency of State Health Services in a state of alert, proceeded to reopen beds for the hospitalization of patients with coronavirus. This action, of course, of the OKY, provoked a strong reaction from the nurses who yesterday protested, and at a time when the number of patients hospitalized with coronavirus has again become three-digit, they have made a spontaneous stop to work.
The "Delta" mutation of the coronavirus has brought up and down the world while even countries that have a high percentage of vaccination coverage in their population, (e.g. Israel), have begun to experience the effects of the fourth wave of the pandemic and all this at a time when the European Medicines Agency yesterday included the possible side effects of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines , myocarditis and pericarditis, making recommendations to health professionals.
The occurrence of the Coronavirus Delta mutation is now clearly reflected in the official data recorded daily in Cyprus, by the Tracing Team which is once again on alert as the large number of new cases detected around the clock has already led to a delay of at least three to five days in the process of searching for and detecting case contacts. At the same time, there is still a reluctance on the part of the citizens to cooperate with the members of the Group and to declare all their close contacts, as it is clear that each positive incident indicates on average only two close contacts.
The vast majority of positive cases concern people under the age of 40, however, scientists again call on citizens to respect personal protection measures, stressing that this is necessary, both for people who have been vaccinated and for citizens who have not yet been vaccinated.
This need is also demonstrated by the numbers included in the last report of the tracing group relating to the period between 26 June and 5 July 2021.
During this period, more than 3,700 new positive cases were recorded. 90% of these cases involved people without a vaccination history. However, the remaining 10% concerned citizens who had either been vaccinated only with the first dose of the vaccine, or had completed their vaccination regimen, the majority of them two months ago.
Of the 3,710 cases, 329 involved people with a vaccination history. 164 cases involved fully vaccinated individuals and 165 people who had received the first dose of the vaccine.
According to data collected by the tracing team, 71 citizens had completed their vaccination in May, nine people had received both doses between the beginning of the year and the end of March, four people completed their vaccination regimen in April, 73 citizens received the second dose in June and seven people were fully vaccinated in the first days of July (and may not have acquired the necessary immunity).
Large transmission chains are located in specific areas, frequented mainly by young people. It is no coincidence that yesterday Health Minister Michalis Hatzipantellas sent a letter to the Minister of Justice, naming 27 specific nightlife premises and calling for the intensification of police controls on them.
According to official data, the largest transmission chain detected last week involved 57 people with a well-known nightclub in the free Famagusta area. A second chain of 28 people was also connected in the week preceding the same site. Smaller transmission chains, which include between 10 and 25 people, are also connected to nightclubs in all provinces and especially coastal areas.
In the side effects of Pfizer and Moderna, myocarditis and pericarditis
The Safety Committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded that myocarditis and pericarditis may occur in very rare cases after vaccination with COVID-19 Comirnaty and Spikevax vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna vaccines). The Commission therefore recommends the inclusion of myocarditis and pericarditis as new side effects in the information on the products of these vaccines, together with a warning to raise awareness among health professionals and those receiving these vaccines.
As stated in an official announcement, "myocarditis and pericarditis are inflammatory states of the heart. Symptoms may vary, but often include shortness of breath, a strong heartbeat that can be irregular (palpitations) and chest pain."
In its investigation, the Commission reviewed '145 cases of myocarditis in the European Economic Area (EEA) between persons receiving Comirnaty and 19 cases between persons receiving Spikevax. It also examined reports of 138 cases of pericarditis after the use of Comirnaty and 19 cases after the use of Spikevax. As of 31 May 2021, approximately 177 million doses of Comirnaty and 20 million doses of Spikevax were administered in the EEA'.
What's changing in theatres and cinemas
From Tuesday, July 13, and subject to an amending Decree to be issued on 12 July, theatres, amphitheatres and cinemas will operate in accordance with the conditions laid down for football stadiums.
specifically:
· From 13 July to 20 July, entrance to theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas and theatres is permitted only for persons who have completed their vaccination regimen or have been vaccinated with the 1st dose of the vaccine and who have passed 3 weeks, for persons holding a negative PCR certificate valid for 72 hours and for persons who have contracted COVID-19 in the last 6 months, at a occupancy rate of 50% of the premises/space.
· From 21 July, theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas and theatres can allow entry: only for persons who have completed their vaccination and for persons who have been affected by COVID-19 in the last 6 months, at a rate of occupancy of 75% of the premises/space; or only for persons who have completed their vaccination regimen or have been vaccinated with the 1st dose of the vaccine and who have passed 3 weeks, for persons holding a negative PCR certificate valid for 72 hours and for persons who have been infected with COVID-19 in the last 6 months, provided that the maximum number of people indoors does not exceed 250 people and outdoors 350 people. It is understood that all the provisions of the health protocol and the guidelines apply.
