Koliou, who is also a member of a Health Ministry advisory committee of experts, considers that it would take about one week for a clearer picture on the effectiveness of the government’s measures to emerge.

She further estimates that even if there is a drop in the number of confirmed cases, the measures should continue until cases nearly end completely.

Koliou stresses that “we need to persist in this situation, to show patience and to continue to abide by these strict measures,” noting that people must find a way “to accept the measures since we all understand their usefulness.”

Yesterday’s drop should not be taken for granted
————

Asked to explain what the drop observed yesterday in the number of confirmed cases means compared with the previous days and whether there are hopes of turning the situation around, she said that “we have a right to hope,” adding however that “this should not be taken for granted, since the situation has not yet stabilized.”

“We do not have enough successive days, to ascertain that the drop is clear. One cannot after a one time drop consider it a given and a certainty,” she noted.

She further expressed concern over reports of cases within hospitals and in particular among medical professionals.

Replying to a question as to when a clear picture of the situation will emerge and whether a prediction can be made as to when a downward trend will be observed in the cases curve, Koliou said that another week has to pass, adding that it will depend on the cases appearing and what their nature is.

“But because we are a small country, even a series of cases within one family could change the data,” she pointed out. Therefore, she continued, “the only solution is to have sufficient successive days during which a drop will be observed.” The drop, she stressed, “must be consistent.” One cannot record a downward trend with the results of one day.

Only if the decrease (of confirmed cases) continues consistently could someone say that Cyprus has passed its peak, she added.

Replying to a question as to whether Cyprus is right now at the peak of the epidemic curve, she said that “we need to wait another two or three days, so that whether this drop continues consistently can be recorded.”

Practically impossible to test Cyprus’ entire population
———

Asked whether the entire population of Cyprus should be tested, Koliou said that this is practically impossible because as she explained, people who test negative today, may be positive tomorrow.

This would not be the solution, she noted, adding that resources would be wasted without real benefit.

“What needs to be done is to test people who have symptoms in a targeted manner and the people who came in contact with confirmed cases,” she said.

She reiterated that it is extremely important for people to continue their self-isolation, adding that if we have missed some cases, which is definitely the case, by staying at home they will not spread it to others.

Asked whether a projection could be made as to how much the number of confirmed cases will increase in Cyprus, Koliou replied that “it is difficult to know,” adding that “the number continues to grow, however if we reduce the rate of increase, we hope we will not surpass what we can manage.”

She also expressed the view that the real number of cases is much greater from the number diagnosed, noting that this will become known after the epidemiology research which will take place afterwards.

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Source: CNA

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He said that the question is not which his preference is, but what he is obliged to do, under the circumstances, so that he would not feel that he did not fully undertake his responsibility during a period that difficult decisions need to be taken.

He added that the responsibility of both himself and the government is to protect the health, the life and the employment security of each citizen.
 
Furthermore he stressed that he would rather be judged for his current decisions than be faced with the pain and sorrow of the people because human lives would be lost due to his lack of courage.
 
“With the same courage that I took painful decisions in the past I will do the same thing now as well. As we did then, when we overcame the crisis with the cooperation of everyone, will also win this battle as well. We will make it,” Anastasiades concluded.

Source: CNA

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According to Ioannou, there will be exceptions to the obligation to present a medical certificate for Cypriots who will enter the Republic of Cyprus until March 21.

Speaking after a ministerial meeting at the Presidential Palace, chaired by the President of the Republic, the Minister of Health said that starting from 3am (local time) on March 21, 2020, all flights to Larnaca and Paphos airports, except cargo, will be banned from the following countries: Bahrein, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Egypt, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Greece.

Concerning the March 15 decree, that requires a medical certificate for people who want to enter the Republic of Cyprus, the Minister said that the measure will stay in force until 3am on March 21. Exceptions apply for those who traveled abroad for medical reasons or for a short stay, for business or professional purposes, and for those who are entitled to enter on the basis of the Vienna Convention.

People who traveled abroad for medical reasons may be accompanied by the people who went with them abroad and stayed with them during treatment, the Minister clarified.

He added that instead of presenting a medical certificate, people who fall within the categories announced today, will have to provide a certificate from one of the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Cyprus abroad. To get the certificate, they will have to present relevant evidence, such as outbound tickets or certificates from the medical treatment center.

Ioannou also said that flights without passengers to the Republic of Cyprus will be allowed in order to transport people who wish to depart from Cyprus.

Moreover, he said that the Republic of Cyprus will charter flights from Athens and London if necessary, in order to transport passengers back to Cyprus falling within the exceptions announced.

All passengers entering the Republic of Cyprus will be placed in quarantine for 14 days from the day of their arrival, in areas designated by the state. This does not apply for persons who went abroad for medical reasons, who will instead confine themselves at home to continue their treatment.

Source: CNA

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