Cyprus records slight increase in COVID cases

Cyprus has recorded a slight increase in COVID cases in recent days, according to Dr Christos Charalambous of the Health Ministry’s Epidemiological Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases Unit.

He told the Cyprus News Agency that between 24 to 30 November, more than 990 new incidents were recorded.

Dr Charalambous said that although the number of cases of coronavirus and other viruses has risen, this is to be expected as we are in the winter months. He recommended vaccinations as a preventive measure against respiratory viruses SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, especially for the vulnerable groups.

He said that compared to the week of November 17-23, between November 24 -30, the weekly number of cases, positivity rate and daily admissions to hospitals increased. The authorities recorded 995 cases the last week of November compared to 705 the week before that.

According to Dr Charalambous, the cumulative frequency in Nicosia district is very high compared to the other districts and is at 58.3%. Most cases were registered in the age groups 40-44 years (9.7%) and 55-59 years (9.4%), noting that the cumulative incidence of 7 days was per 100,000 inhabitants increased by 29.1%, compared to the week of November 17 to 23.

Figures also show that by age group, the highest 7-day cumulative occurrence was recorded in the 75 and over age groups.

Asked about PCR and Rapid Tests, Dr Charalambous said that from 24 to 30 November, a total of 25,074 laboratory tests were carried out, and positivity rate was 4.0%, compared to 25,253 laboratory tests and a positivity rate of 2.8 % in the week before.

He went on to say that the highest percentage of positive laboratory tests was recorded in the age groups of 85 years and older (9.4%) and 0-3 years (8.1%).

Regarding admissions to hospitals and Intensive Care Units (ICUs), he said that in the period between 24-30 November there were 26 new admissions, compared to 13 new admissions to hospitals and two to ICUs the week of 17 to 23 November.

Dr Charalambous also told the Cyprus News Agency that since last week there has been a slight increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. The week between 27 November and 3 December, a total of 13 cases of RSV were recorded, compared to eight recorded from 13 to 16 November.

From the total of 21 cases, the 20 are paediatric and the majority of those involve children under one year of age. There was also a case of a 93-year-old with comorbidities.

Dr Charalambous reminded that it is important to observe basic measures of personal protection especially during the winter season, such as frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact, good ventilation in closed spaces and use of mask, where necessary. He urged people who are sick to avoid contacts especially with people who are at high risk.