People must be convinced that the COVID vaccine protects, said Minister of Health, Dr. Popi Kanaris, noting that vaccinated people can still be infected with the virus, but their symptoms will be much milder.

Speaking to the press after a visit to Nicosia General Hospital on the occasion of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Minister said that measures are already taken when asked if low vaccine coverage of the elderly is something the authorities are alarmed about and if recommendations will be made.

Kanaris noted that most COVID cases are reported in nursing homes and that currently 75 patients are intakes from such homes. She noted that this is cause for concern adding that mobile units will be sent to nursing homes in an attempt to boost vaccination rates.

She said that face masks will be distributed and also tests will be available for both the staff and visitors.