Filenews 19 July 2021
The Minister of Health, Mr. Michalis Hatzipantella, described last night's events at the "DIAS" Complex as unacceptable and reprehensible. At the same time, he said that vaccinations were continuing, despite last night's unpleasant events.
Mr. Hadjipantella was speaking on the sidelines of a visit to the State Fair's Vaccination Center. "As I said on Friday, our culture cannot be divided, we cannot be divided into camps of vaccinated and unvaccinated. We are prepared to listen to our compatriots who have some concerns about being vaccinated, and to convince them to get vaccinated if they decide to," said the Minister.
To facilitate citizens who wish to be vaccinated, the Minister of Health announced that next Saturday in Paphos, together with a rapid test sampling point, a mobile vaccination unit will also be set up for those citizens who wish to proceed with vaccination. Also present will be a Gynaecologist, a representative of the church, and an epidemiologist, who will be at the site to answer questions from citizens and to allay their concerns.
If they are not convinced, we respect their view and understand it, the Minister of Health added, but at the same time we understand our compatriots who have received the vaccine and that is why these measures are being taken.
For vaccinations
Regarding his visit today to the Vaccination Centre of the State Fair, Mr Hatzipantella noted that the aim was to make sure that vaccinations continue, despite last night's unpleasant events. According to the information from the Vaccination Centres operating in Cyprus, the turnout has increased and exceeds all expectations. As he said, the appointment-free centres continue to operate and so far 500 vaccinations have been carried out at them.
Asked if thoughts were being given to the Ministry of Health on vaccinating third-country nationals living in Cyprus in order to limit the transmission of the virus and to protect them, Mr Hatzipantella said that this issue has been identified and legal residents in the Republic are already being given the right to be vaccinated to protect themselves. Regarding those who are not legally in the Republic, the Minister said that this is a matter of concern and there will be announcements in the coming days.
To increase nurses
Asked to say what action would be taken to stop the increase in hospitalisation, the Minister of Health noted that at yesterday's emergency meeting with the participation of the CSP, the PIS, THESIN and other stakeholders, the problems identified were discussed. Mr Hatzipantella thanked the participants for the constructive dialogue, which shows that we all care about the citizens. "The message that came out of the meeting is that we can find solutions for the patient, we can do it this time and improve the hospitalisation we give the citizens," Mr. Hatzipantella said.
In turn, the Director General of the Ministry of Health Dr Christina Giannakis noted that today in the Vaccination Center of the State Fair will vaccinate about 1,000 foreigners, legal residents in the Republic. A total of 5,745 people will be vaccinated in all vaccination centres. Until yesterday, he said, we touched 70% of people vaccinated with the 1st dose and 60.7% completed their vaccination regimen. "The fight continues. People must come to be vaccinated in the well-meaning interest of Public Health, stop the transmission chain and reduce hospitalizations and intubations and finally, death," explained Dr Giannakis.
In turn, Ms Agathi Lakatamitou, coordinator of the Center E of the State Fair, called on citizens to proceed with vaccination, to protect their health and stop the transmission of the virus.
