Filenews 19 November 2021 - by Marilena Panagi
It seems that measures are coming again next week, since this is what the ever-worsening epidemiological data impose. For the time being, the intentions of the Government and scientists do not include strict restrictions, nor business closures or measures that will separate citizens into vaccinated and unvaccinated. However, consideration is being made of measures that may affect specific businesses and citizens' activities.
As far as the Ministry of Health is concerned, Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas confirmed yesterday that thoughts are being made, but without a final decision being taken, for the introduction of the third dose of the vaccine in SafePass, provided that the citizen has completed 6+ months from his/her full vaccination. In fact, when asked whether Cyprus will proceed with such a decision at a time when at EU level there seems to be a great deal of reservation regarding the introduction of the third dose in greenpass, due to the absence of a clear opinion from the European Medicines Agency, the Minister replied that: "Cyprus at some point took some decisions which were not based on the European Commission, so if we decide to do it for Cyprus, no one stops us". He, however, threw the ball at the scientists, saying that "if this is also included in the recommendations of the experts, then we will take it seriously and I think some experts will put it".
Furthermore, in the thoughts of the Ministry of Health is the prohibition of all Christmas events and especially the events that usually take place in late November - early December and concern, among other things, the illumination of Christmas trees in central squares of cities, etc.
On the part of the scientists, as reported by information provided by "F", a proposal has already been submitted for targeted tests in specific places and activities, such as nightclubs, wedding and christening receptions. A proposal, which does not appear to be rejected by the ministry of health.
Suggestions have been made concerning teleworking and the introduction of SelfTests for which, however, there is some concern regarding the way they are used and how to record the positive results. However, it is not excluded that the conduct of SelfTest will eventually become the responsibility of the companies for the purpose of controlling their staff.
In the meantime, the Government, remaining steadfast in its policy so far, decided to focus on strengthening the vaccination coverage of the population and is promoting a new campaign.
