The Cyprus strategy for the gradual lifting of the restrictive measures is based on the pillars of mass inspections with rapid test, case tracking and vaccination against COVID-19.
In a statement today, the Ministry of Health states that although the epidemiological picture is steadily improving, the situation remains fluid and easily reversible and requires care to prevent its deterioration.
According to the relevant Ministry “in view of the intensification of vaccinations starting from March, the focus is still on controlling the epidemiological picture through the conduct of massive rapid tests.”
Cyprus remains in 1st place
According to the latest data, published by the ECDC, Cyprus remains in the 1st place among the countries of Europe, with 25,554 tests per 100,000 population.
Typically, in the week of February 15-21, 202,614 rapid antigen tests were performed and 385 cases were identified.
The practice followed by Cyprus since last November with the implementation of a massive rapid test program in the general population is adopted by other European countries, such as the United Kingdom and Germany.
In addition, the policy of the tests is in line with the recommendations of the European Center for Infection Control and Prevention (ECDC), as a method of controlling the transmissibility of new strains of the virus detected in European countries, including Cyprus.
According to the Ministry of Health, the rapid diagnosis offered by rapid antigen tests allows the timely detection and isolation of virus-positive individuals and the immediate start of tracing of their close contacts.
In order to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible in areas where there is an increased number of cases, the Tracing Team of the Ministry of Health is already conducting an in-depth investigation of the cases by conducting tests and secondary contacts.
This method traces more closely the close contacts of the cases and detects earlier people who are positive for the virus, reducing the chances of creating large outbreaks.
It is reminded that according to the Decree, dated February 12, the employers in private companies, as well as the Heads of Departments / Services of the public and wider public sector, have the responsibility to coordinate as the staff undergoes a rapid test, in order to ensure the mandatory weekly examination. with rapid staff antigen test.
Mandatory weekly rapid antigen test of staff concerns companies / services employing up to 3 people, the test should be done on all employees, companies / services employing from 4 to 10 people, the test should be done on at least 4 employees, companies / services that employ more than 11 people, the audit should be done on at least 4 people or 20% of employees, whichever is greater in number.
In addition, the employee test program with rapid test is also addressed to the self-employed, such as electricians, plumbers, etc., who should present a negative certificate in case they are asked by their customers.
In addition, those who work as domestic helpers and / or are responsible for the home care of the elderly or people with disabilities or people who are unable to self-care must also submit to a weekly examination through the program.
Source: KYPE
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