Optimistic are the messages that reach the ears of epidemiologists at a time when hospitalizations continue to show a decrease, as well as the percentage of positivity. The fact that out of the 233 hospitalizations on February 7, in less than a week we fell below the 200 patients, opens the way for the unvaccinated to come out of quarantine, with the first suggestions already falling on the table. As everything shows, Cyprus is heading towards significant relaxations from which this time the unvaccinated citizens will also benefit, following the tendency that exists at a global level to end the separation that exists between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.
The “golden” recipe
With a milestone on March 1, the day when the new tourist season begins and the ethers for vaccinated people open, the experts put data and numbers on the scales in order to find the “golden” recipe that will allow the gradual lifting of the restrictions. The agenda of the experts also includes the protocols that will apply to tourists so that they are in line with the protocols for the locals. The ultimate goal of this new strategy that the Ministry of Health is expected to follow is the simplification of the measures, which from one point onwards will concern all citizens without any distinction between vaccinated and non-vaccinated. It is not ruled out that there may be changes in the protocol of close contacts, as according to information, a portion of experts recommends the reduction of quarantine for citizens who have not been vaccinated from 10 to 7 days. This is one of the measures that will be discussed in the next period of time, while it is not excluded that with the extension of the test to stay, the end of the quarantine for those who are case contacts will occur gradually. At the moment, no such thing is expected to be announced by the Ministry on Tuesday, which, however, may result in the horizontal application of the test to stay in schools. It is reminded that at this stage the beneficiaries of this measure are only students who are in-school contact contacts, while the possibility of allowing the participation of students who are contacts outside of school is already being discussed. Developments may occur within the next week regarding the test to stay in kindergartens, for which there are various reactions, not only in relation to its implementation, but also in terms of the mandatory weekly check-up of children with rapid test. As “P” is informed, the Ministry of Health is promoting the weekly check-up of children with a rapid test, with which a significant portion of parents seem to agree. The measure may enter the second phase of lifting the restrictions, which is set for early March. The first phase will take effect in mid-February and is expected to include an increase in the maximum number of people that can be gathered in homes from 10 to 15, an increase in the number of people per table in restaurants from 8 to 10, while it is not ruled out that partially increase the number of attendees at social events, weddings and baptisms. Experts seem to be concerned about when unvaccinated people will be allowed to enter restaurants, with the information calling for the ban to be lifted in early March, while it is not ruled out that they will be allowed to enter leisure centers at the same time.
Long-covids are growing
Any decisions made for relaxations that will be implemented in the next period of time will depend on the data that will have in their hands until Sunday night the epidemiologists, who turn their attention to the hospital index. The stabilization of the number of daily cases began to be reflected in the state health system, where after a long time the number of patients diagnosed with coronavirus fell below 200. In addition to the issue of hospitalization and the lifting of restrictions, another issue that seems to have been occupying lately the members of the epidemiological team are the long-covid patients. According to the data of OKYPY, there is an increasing tendency in people who suffer from complications due to coronavirus. From October until today, 150 patients have visited the organization's long-covid clinics and are still being monitored. At the same time, 26 post-covid patients who have ceased to be infectious continue to be admitted by intubation to an Intensive Care Unit. Based on the data available to scientists, the virus residues affect several systems of the body. Among the most common symptoms are persistent cough, fatigue, myalgia, psychological disorders, headache, shortness of breath, insomnia, and even tachycardia, while the virus leaves its mark on children with MIS-syndrome. C occurs 2 to 6 weeks after infection.
Fourth dose
Cyprus is preparing to follow the path set by Israel for the administration of the fourth dose of vaccine. The data recorded daily in public hospitals lead to the conclusion that the administration of a fourth dose of vaccine to specific groups of the population, such as the elderly, the elderly and the immunocompromised, should gradually be included in the planning of the Ministry of Health. According to data released by the Ministry of Health, 55% of patients were without a history of vaccination. 3% of patients were vaccinated with two doses, while 19% were partially vaccinated (one dose). The impetus for the official start of the debate on the administration of the 4th dose to certain groups of the population was, of course, given the fact that 23% of the patients are fully vaccinated and with a booster dose. These data, in view of the significant increase recorded in the number of elderly and elderly patients with coronavirus, are expected to be presented soon, both before the Advisory Scientific Committee and before the competent National Vaccination Committee, in order to decide whether Cyprus will follow the example of other European countries and proceed with a 4th installment or if it will first wait for the relevant recommendation from the European Medicines Agency, which is unknown when it will be issued. Already, at least orally, there have been some discussions between the members of the epidemiological team, while the competent ministry is ready to consult the Scientific Advisory Committee, drawing up a plan for the elderly and immunocompromised.
