A gradual decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations is expected in the coming days as we overcome the peak of the current wave, Professor of Microbiology/Molecular Virology at the University of Nicosia Medical School, Peter Karayiannis, told CNA on Friday.
He said that the strategy followed by the Ministry of Health and the Scientific Advisory Committee to not take any stricter measures has paid off, adding that this is the approach to follow in the winter months, unless a problematic new strain appears.
Invited to comment on the drop of the positivity rate, he said that the decrease recorded means that “we have passed the peak of the current wave”.
He explained that the number of cases will most probably continue a downward trend and noted that it is encouraging that the number of hospitalisations has decreased compared to the previous week.
“It seems that we are getting over this current wave,” he said.
Asked if citizens are vulnerable or should feel safe, he said “we can feel safe. I think this was evident from the approach taken by the Ministry and the Scientific Advisory Committee, that there was no need to take any stricter measures. This has worked without having to impose any restrictions”.
He said that they will continue with the same approach in the winter, clarifying, however, that measures will only be taken in the event there is a “particularly problematic” new strain.
If there are no new strains in Cyprus the situation will remain as it is, he said.
He ruled out the possibility of a new lockdown in the winter, saying that there is a high vaccination coverage in Cyprus and thus serious hospitalisations are being avoided to a large extent.
Concluding, he said that in the fall there will be recommendations and a campaign to make people aware once more of the value of vaccination.
Source: Cyprus News Agency