A further reduction in the number of cases is expected in the coming days, according to the member of the Advisory Scientific Committee, Professor of Microbiology / Molecular Virology of the Medical School of the University of Nicosia Dr. Petros Karagiannis, who points out the need to be vigilant due to British .
In his statements to KYPE, Dr. Karagiannis praised the improved epidemiological situation after yesterday's results. “It is encouraging that we had a double-digit number yesterday and for the first time in a long time now. “I hope we stay in double digits and fall lower, even with the opening of retail and primary schools,” he said.
The rapid tests used to monitor the condition, he said, will help us identify any problems in a timely manner, and while vaccinations are underway and we are shielding at least the elderly and nursing home residents, “I think we will do well.”
Further relaxation of measures, but on alert for the British executive
Asked if there would be further easing of measures, the Professor said that everyone expects such a thing, noting that he does not know when they will take place, since no timetables were discussed at the meeting held at the Presidential Palace two weeks ago.
However, expressing his position, he pointed out that “if our epidemiological picture is as it is now and improves even more, I see no reason why there should be no further relaxation. But what we must always keep in mind is that the British mutant is now circulating in Europe, which is more easily transmitted and may cause more deaths. “We have to be vigilant because it can create a particular problem for us and upset the image we have at this stage.”
Dr. Karagiannis said that we know that the executive came to Cyprus, but what we do not know is to what extent he was responsible for the upheaval we had from Christmas onwards.
“We know from reports that it is in the occupied territories and at least it may be the minority of cases that are now observed there. “So there is always the risk that not only from Britain but also from roadblocks, when and if there is traffic.”
When do we return to normalcy
Asked to say when we will return to our normal lives, Dr. Karagiannis pointed out that this will depend entirely on the vaccination coverage that will be achieved as soon as possible and on updating the vaccines to treat the mutated strains. It appears, he noted, that the South African strain is not largely recognized by the antibodies produced by existing vaccines.
The AstraZeneca vaccine and the Israeli medicine for the coronavirus
Professor Karagiannis, commenting on what is being said these days about the AstraZeneca vaccine, said that it has been licensed by the European Union Drug Licensing Committee for all ages and has been used for two months in Britain. According to the information, he noted, the response is very good in the elderly and in fact can be protective up to 85%.
For the Israeli drug that has been created, he said, it is an experimental drug that should be included in clinical trials. “The fact that it is inhaled acts where the virus multiplies, ie in the cells of the mucous membranes, and consequently its action there can prevent the most serious symptoms. “We must now look at its effectiveness in phase 2 and 3 studies.”
