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Christmas with measures: With a negative rapid test at the tables and at work

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Christmas with measures: With a negative rapid test at the tables and at work

The new measures approved by the Council of Ministers were announced by the Minister of Health, Michalis Hadjipandela, on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 21st. The measures were decided against the background of the Christmas and New Year holidays, during which the COVID-19 incidents are expected to increase due to the gatherings in homes, at a time when the Omicron variant has started to be found in more people in Cyprus.

The statement of the Minister and the new measures:

“Ladies and gentlemen,

The Omicron coronavirus variant is spreading rapidly worldwide, with many countries tightening measures or even a total lockdown. In our country from the beginning, we have taken specific strict measures, in an effort to limit the spread of the virus in the community, to keep the economy alive and to give all of us the opportunity to spend Christmas with our loved ones. We must all be optimistic, let go of the “I” and see the “we”, acknowledging the superhuman efforts made by doctors, nurses and scientists to defeat the invisible threat. Now is the time for all of us to show individual responsibility and follow the measures and instructions of scientists.

In recent days, there has been a steady increase in the number of daily cases and the burden is reflected in hospitalizations and therefore complacency is not allowed, as the appearance of positive cases of the Omicron variant in our country may burden the epidemiological picture, which has happened in other countries. . The increase in the rate of vaccinations recorded in recent days, is a key parameter in dealing with and managing the pandemic. All age groups show an increase in the vaccination rate. Specifically in the last 10 days, 8,390 people received the 1st dose of vaccine, 11,813 people received the 2nd dose of vaccine and 71,111 people received the booster / 3rd dose of vaccine.

At the last meeting of the Ministry of Health with the members of the Advisory Scientific Committee, all the data recorded by the epidemiological indicators were analyzed and evaluated and the unanimous suggestions of the scientists were brought before the Council of Ministers. And it is for this reason that I would like to publicly thank the members of the committee for the excellent cooperation that exists, always with the aim of protecting public health and preventing the spread of the virus.

In view of the above and the fact that decisions need to be taken to limit the spread of the virus in the run-up to the Christmas holidays, the Council of Ministers decided: 

(a) the reopening of schools after the Christmas break on January 10 and on return all students, teachers and other staff must submit a 72-hour negative PCR or 48-hour Rapid Antigen rapid detection test.

(b) the extension of all other provisions of the Decree in force until January 15, 2022.

(c) As of December 22, 2021, all employees who completed their vaccination program against Covid -19 or hold a certificate of illness (lasting 180 days) required to provide negative laboratory test PCR or rapid test Rapid antigen detection test lasting seven days for their entry into their workplace. Employees who received the booster / 3rd dose of vaccine are excluded.

(d) From 22 December 2021 , all citizens before their visit to homes in anticipation of the Christmas holidays, it is recommended to perform a rapid antigen test Rapid test with a negative result. Individuals who have received at least two doses of the vaccine may perform a self- test , while those who have not received any dose of the vaccine are advised to take a Rapid 48-hour Rapid Antigen Detection Test. It is reminded that the presence in homes is allowed with a maximum number of 20 people, including permanent residents and minors.

(e) the reduction of the period of the COVID -19 disease certificate from 6 months (180 days) to 3 months (90 days) with effect from 31 January 2022.

(f) From 22 December 2021 until 6 January 2022 , in anticipation of the Christmas holidays, children aged 12-17 will be able to attend restaurants (including restaurants in malls and hotels), theaters, amphitheaters , cinemas, auditoriums , indoor and outdoor stadiums, weddings and christenings with the presentation of a negative PCR or Rapid test lasting 72 hours, provided that they are accompanied by a parent / guardian who has completed his vaccination program.

(g) For visitors and staff in day care facilities for vulnerable groups and day care centers housed in the same premises as nursing homes and other closed care and hospitality structures for the elderly and vulnerable groups , the same measures as in nursing homes and closed structures apply. following the instructions of the Ministry of Health and the State Department of Social Welfare.

Source: politis.com.cy

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