Hospitalisations of patients with Covid-19 have increased by almost a third in the last week, according to Okypy spokesman Charalambos Charilaou. Currently, 90 people are in hospital in Cyprus due to Covid-19, up from 70 last week. Two of these patients are in intensive care, and four others are being treated in high dependency units. Charilaou noted that the majority of hospitalized individuals are over 75 and have not been vaccinated in recent months.
Charilaou also expressed concern about the reopening of schools following the Christmas holidays, warning that it could lead to a further increase in the rate of people contracting the virus. He urged individuals with symptoms to stay at home.
In addition, Charilaou criticized the health ministry’s decision to grant private hospitals’ request to not accept patients with Covid-19. Okypy has sent a letter to the medical services protesting the approval, insisting that patients should be treated equally.
The Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association (CPA) reiterated their readiness to participate in the Covid-19 vaccination process and administer vaccines in pharmacies. They highlighted pharmacists’ experience, education, and training in administering vaccinations, and expressed their willingness to consult with the government to reduce the inconvenience faced by the general population in scheduling appointments and receiving both influenza and Covid-19 vaccines. The CPA mentioned that administering vaccines at pharmacies is common in many EU countries and around the world.
The CPA also welcomed the reintroduction of mandatory Covid-19 testing to enter certain spaces, such as hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, and dentists’ offices. They encouraged people to wear protective masks and adhere to social distancing measures.
The increase in hospitalisations and the potential risks associated with the reopening of schools highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Cyprus in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for individuals to follow safety protocols, including vaccination, testing, and adherence to public health guidelines, to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.
