Filenews 26 January 2022
Three new measures were approved today by the Council of Ministers as part of the effort to contain the pandemic. The new measures concern the release of close contacts, the extension of the test-to-stay measure and kindergartens.
Specifically:
(a) from 28 January 2022, the replacement of the laboratory PCR test with a rapid antigen test (Rapid test)on the 7th day as stated in the close contact management protocol of confirmed positive cases and based on this they must self-limit for 10 days.
- Therefore, release earlier than 10 days can be done with a rapid antigen test with a negative result on the 7th day, from contact or later, at the same expense.
- From the decision to replace pcr with Rapid test on the 7th day, health professionals working in private and state hospitals, nursing homes and closed facilities are excluded.
- Regarding the implementation of the "test to stay" measure in schools, students who are close contacts instead of PCR will be able to undergo a Rapid test for release on the 7th day. (Therefore, students who make use of this measure from Monday, January 24, 2022, should undergo a Rapid test for a period of 7 days through the sampling points announced daily by the Ministry of Health and operating in school units).
(b) the implementation of the measure "test to stay" to health professionals of public and private hospitals, police and fire brigade.
- The date of implementation of the measure will be announced after consultation with the competent Ministries and Services.
(c) as of January 28, 2022, as recommended for children aged 2-5 years to conduct a Rapid antigen test once a week for their attendance in kindergartens and pre-primary schools.
- The Rapid test will be provided free of charge through the sampling points of the Ministry of Health.
(d) the extension of all existing measures until 17 February 2022.
Earlier, the Minister of Health, Michalis Hadjipantelas, presented the recommendations of the members of the Advisory Scientific Committee that were discussed during yesterday's meeting, where the data recorded by the Tracing Team, the hospitals of the CySEC and the percentages of vaccination coverage of the population were analyzed and evaluated.
In the last few days, a steady course of epidemiological indicators has been recorded, with the number of daily cases showing a decrease. No complacency is allowed and there needs to be constant vigilance by everyone for the faithful observance of health protocols. According to data from the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Health, from 15 to 21 January 2022, 13,997 positive cases were recorded within the community, with the decrease being recorded in all age groups.
The Ministry of Health is constantly alert and proceeds to the evaluation of all scientific and/or epidemiological data together with the Scientific Advisory Committee. The guiding principle is the safest functioning of society, with the aim of protecting and defending the health of all citizens.
