Source::Xinhuanet
NICOSIA,
Epidemiologists in Cyprus agreed that the government should keep most of the current coronavirus restrictions in force until the middle of April, but should allow the return of all students to their classes on condition that they take a rapid COVID-19 test, a member of the scientific team advising the country's Ministry of Health said here on Monday.
A member of the team -- Professor of Virology at the University of Nicosia Petros Karayiannis -- said the list of suggestions also includes the resumption of certain athletic and entertainment activities. A formal decision by the government is expected on Wednesday. He said the team has also suggested the further easing of restrictions after April 15, and that the suggestions were based on the recent stabilization of the number of new COVID-19 cases, albeit at a high level, which makes the epidemiological situation still very fragile.
The Health Ministry reported two deaths and 326 new infections on Sunday. It said that 55,090 COVID-19 tests were performed in the country of 900,000 inhabitants. Cyprus is speeding up its vaccination campaign by administering almost 20,000 vaccine doses to vulnerable people this week. The Health Ministry said it expected a large vaccine shipment for April, which will make it possible for Cyprus to immunize all people aged 45 and older.
About 35 percent of the population have already been vaccinated, and the ministry said it expected half of the total population to receive both vaccine doses by the middle of June. Vaccination is underway in an increasing number of countries with already-authorized coronavirus vaccines.
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