Filenews 16 July 2021
A message to the Cypriot people was sent by President Anastasiades, following the increase in new cases of coronavirus as well as the increase in hospitalizations, which led to a tightening of measures for the dispersion of the crown.
The PDR noted that its intervention was deemed necessary after the spread of the coronavirus both in our country and worldwide.
What concerns me, he noted, is the protection of the health but also of the economy of the country and of everyone individually.
It also noted that the criticality of the situation is demonstrated by the fact that there have been 6852 cases and the number of hospitalisations has reached 181 in recent days.
The new dangerous mutation of the virus is spreading rapidly, he said, and it is no coincidence that other countries are bringing back restrictive measures, similar to those we put in place in March.
"The measures were then deemed necessary because there was no other option. Unlike the first waves of the pandemic, for a few months now the population has been protected through the vaccination programs," he said.
It is not our intention to divide citizens into vaccinated and unvaccinated, underlining that the Government has obtained vaccines for more than twice the population. The options we had before us for the vaccination program were two, he said, noting that the options were either mandatory vaccination or other measures.
"Respecting citizens' rights we did not do what other countries did, but we chose measures aimed at protecting the many. The measures will be announced this afternoon by the Minister of Health and the Commissioner of the Citizen. The government's intention is not to divide citizens into vaccinated and non-vaccinated," he said.
Our task, he said, is to protect the right to life. That is why the firming of the decision to demonstrate SafePass is intended not to jeopardise the health, jobs and freedoms of those who have been vaccinated.
It has also indicated that it is not permissible for the majority to be threatened by the few.
"That is why it is their view that through vaccination the wall of protection of the population will be strengthened. I like to think that the objectives are common and will receive the support of the church, the media, scientists and workers and businesses.
Either we're vaccinated or we're going to get sick with all the consequences. To be the continuation of the vaccination chain, not its breakdown. I trust you because we have been tested in worse conditions than the current crisis and we have succeeded. Together we're going to make it again," he concluded.
At 6 p.m., at the Presidential Palace, The Minister of Health Michalis Hatzipantellas will announce the measures that move on the axis of tightening in busy/crowded places and demonstration of safe pass.
Citizen Commissioner Panagiotis Sedon will announce the incentives for vaccinations.
