New measures to deal with the spread of the coronavirus were decided on Wednesday by the Council of Ministers, which will enter into force on January 28, 2022.
At today's meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Health, Mr. Michalis Hadjipandela, presented the suggestions of the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee discussed during yesterday's meeting, during which the data recorded by the Tracking Team were analyzed and evaluated. the OKYPY hospitals but also the percentages of the vaccination coverage of the population. In the last few days, a steady course of epidemiological indicators has been recorded, with the number of daily cases showing a decrease. There is no room for complacency and there needs to be constant vigilance by all for the faithful observance of the health protocols, it is mentioned in a relevant announcement.
According to the data of the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Health, from 15 to 21 January 2022, 13,997 positive cases were recorded within the community, with the decrease being recorded in all age groups. The Ministry of Health is constantly on the alert and evaluates all scientific and/or epidemiological data together with the Scientific Advisory Committee. The guiding principle is the safest operation of society, with the aim of protecting and safeguarding the health of all citizens. In view of the above and the fact that specific protocols need to be updated and measures taken to enable society and the economy to remain operational, the Council of Ministers decided:
(a) from 28 January 2022, the replacement of the laboratory test PCR with a rapid antigen detection test ( Rapid test on the 7th day as stated in the protocol of close contact management of confirmed positive incidents and based on this they should limit themselves for 10 days.
- Therefore, release earlier than 10 days can be done and by rapid antigen detection test (Rapid test) with negative result on the 7th day, from the contact or later, at the same expense.
- The decision to replace PCR with Rapid test on day 7 excludes health professionals working in private and public hospitals, nursing homes and closed structures.
- Regarding the implementation of the measure “test to stay” in schools students who are in close contact instead of PCR will be able to undergo a Rapid test for release on the 7th day. (Therefore, students who use this measure from Monday, January 24, 2022, should be tested Rapid test for a period of 7 days through the sampling points that are announced daily by the Ministry of Health and operate in schools).
(b) the implementation of the measure “ test to stay ”in health professionals of public and private hospitals, in Police and Fire Department.
- The date of implementation of the measure will be announced after consultation with the competent Ministries and Services.
(c) from 28 January 2022 , as it is recommended for children aged 2-5 years to perform a rapid antigen test ( Rapid test ) once per week for their attendance in kindergartens and pre-primary.
- The Rapid test will be provided free of charge through the sampling points of the Ministry of Health.
(d) the extension of all existing ones n measures by 17 February 2022.
