Τhe Health Ministry’s epidemiological team today gave the green light for the gradual lifting of the lockdown in Cyprus, based on ‘credible, encouraging evidence’, said Dr Leontios Kostrikkis, member of the health ministry’s advisory team of scientists. Αfter announcing 7 new cases of coronavirus out of a total of 2415 diagnostic tests, raising the number to 817 (including 10 in the British Bases), Kostrikkis added that the ‘way is now set to go into the phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions over the next few days’, noting however the need to continue the necessary self hygiene steps and other self protection measures. He stressed that the scientists were ‘particularly satisfied’ with the situation. He did not wish to go into the specifics of the gradual lifting of measures, leaving that up to the government, which will take final decisions on Wednesday.
Representing Okypi (State Health Organisation) Dr.Marios Loizou stressed the need to continue vigilance and prevent the spread of the virus in vulnerable groups, just ‘as we have succeeded thus far, now being people to move to the next phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions’. From the 20,000 tests since April 11, a total of 16,007 have been completed. At 3 pm on Sunday, there were 18 patients at Famagusta Hospital, two of them in the increased care unit. All are in good condition. There are five intubated patients in ICUs, four at Nicosia Hospital and one at Limassol Hospital. Another four patients are in Nicosia Hospital ICU, but are not intubated. Their condition is described as critical but stable. In addition, there are three confirmed Covid-19 cases in hospital wards other than Famagusta Hospital.
Authorities in the north booked 12 people for not wearing a mask while being outside, violating a decree mandating the use of a mask when in public spaces, it emerged on Sunday. In 24 hours from Saturday 6am until Sunday 6am, 33 people were booked for violating movement restrictions. Of those, 12 were not wearing a mask. Those found without a mask, are subject to a fine, equivalent to 10 per cent of the minimum wage in the north, around €54, or up to a year in jail. Police proceeded to file charges against the 12.
