Minister of Health, Dr. Popi Kanari, during a meeting on Wednesday afternoon with members of the Scientific Committee for the Surveillance of COVID-19, will seek their views on the current epidemiological situation on the island and revocation of the decision on the non-compulsory use of masks in certain areas.

CNA has learnt that in essence what will be considered is the reintroduction of the mandatory use of masks in nursing homes, since most of the admissions with COVID 19 in hospitals are from elderly people, who mainly come from nursing homes, while a strong recommendation to use masks indoors in crowded places will also be considered.

According to the same information, the Ministry of Health is considering actions such as free sample checks at key points (department stores, supermarkets, etc. ), however, such an eventuality will be decided after all opinions and suggestions have been heard.

In the meantime, the Ministry is monitoring the data provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and this afternoon the actions of other countries will be presented in order to make a comparison.

According to the epidemiological figures in Cyprus, as in the rest of Europe, COVID cases are on the rise. During the week of 21-27 December 2023, 2,600 positive cases were recorded.

In addition, there are currently around 70 patients in the Intensive Care Units. Most of these patients are people between 75-80 years old.

Sources told CNA that the number of positive cases are expected to increase in the coming days, due to the gatherings in homes and indoor areas during the holidays.

The same source said that today's "meeting will examine the new epidemiological data and will hear the recommendations of the experts on the ways in which the spread of the virus can be restricted", while noting that "decisions will be taken on the basis of the new data presented and the recommendations that will emerge".

In the event that it is decided to reinstate a measure, the Ministry of Health will immediately prepare a decree, which will be sent to the Council of Ministers for approval.