Statement by the Minister of Health Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou on the Government’s decisions to stop the pandemic
In the last two weeks we have been in an awkward position to take restrictive measures to stop the spread of the virus throughout Cyprus, especially in the Limassol and Paphos Provinces where the epidemiological burden has been increased.
The image we have before us, allows us to proceed to some differences without deviating at all from the strategic goal of curbing the virus and preserving the Health System.
Unlike almost all European countries, Cyprus did not proceed to a second total lockdown, precisely because, despite the epidemiological burden, we believe that at present we can reserve this last measure, if necessary.
I do not want to beautify the image. The Health System has been under pressure lately. The patients we are treating today are the positive cases of coronavirus that we had 10 days ago and showed deterioration. During the month of November, 26 patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Units, while 22 of our fellow human beings lost their lives due to the disease. Almost half of the deaths (48 in total) since the beginning of the pandemic were recorded in November. A negative element that forces us to look for ways to stop new outbreaks.
Considering that in the Limassol District, despite the decrease, the situation is still epidemiologically aggravated, and that in the other Provinces of Cyprus there is an increase, all the data were evaluated and it was decided to take emergency measures that will be valid throughout Cyprus from November 31 to 13. December 2020 . Essentially, the measures in force in Limassol and Paphos, extend to a pan-Cypriot scale with some differences such as:
1. Traffic ban between 9 pm and 5 am the next day , except in cases of travel for work purposes using the Employee Traffic Certificate Form or for travel to a hospital, pharmacy, veterinarian for medical emergencies.
2. The ecclesiastical and other forms of religious worship in religious places, as well as the religious ceremonies are performed with a maximum number of 75 persons and in compliance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
3. Religious ceremonies (weddings, baptisms, funerals) with a maximum number of 10 persons are allowed .
4. It is forbidden to hold meals / dinners and any other events for weddings and baptisms (except for an event in a house with a maximum number of 10 people including minor children)
5. All restaurants (restaurants, taverns, cafes, pubs, snack bars and bars, cafes and restaurants within canteens and / or sports clubs, cultural clubs, clubs, clubs, etc.) are allowed to operate, with the exception of their services. concern home delivery and take away until 7 pm . After 7 p.m. only home delivery is allowed.
6. The ban on the movement of persons to and from the Provinces of Limassol and Paphos as well as between the two Provinces is lifted.
Allowed :
- the operation of retail trade, supermarkets and department stores as well as large stores, with a limit on the physical presence of those served (1 person per 10sqm with a maximum number of simultaneous physical presence).
- the operation of beauty and tattoo centers.
- the operation of hairdressers and barbershops.
- the operation of Driving Schools.
- The operation of archeological sites, museums, historical sites.
- The operation of outdoor and indoor theaters, theaters and cinemas indoors and outdoors to the full 50% of their capacity.
- The operation of shopping centers (malls) (1 person per 10sqm with a maximum number of simultaneous physical presence).
- The operation of galleries, galleries, art exhibitions.
In addition, and if and when the epidemiological picture improves, we will proceed with relaxations on a nationwide basis from December 14, 2020 until January 7, 2021 . Indicatively, I note the following:
1. Prohibition of the movement of persons from 11 pm to 5 am the next day, except in cases of going to and from work, going to a medical center or hospital or pharmacy or veterinarian for medical emergencies.
With the exception of December 24, 2020 (Christmas Eve), December 31, 2020 (New Year’s Eve) , the ban on movement varies and applies from 2 midnight until 6 am
2. The presence of persons in gatherings in houses is allowed, with a maximum number of gatherings of 10 people per house , including minors.
The measure excludes the period from December 23, 2020 until the 1 as January 2021 , the maximum number of people per household is set at 15 persons .
3. The operation of the dining areas will be allowed until 10.30 in the evening .
The measure excludes Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year’s Eve (December 31), when the operation of the restaurants will be allowed until 12.30 at midnight.
4. The operation of closed and open sports facilities, gyms, dance schools and other types of schools and sports is allowed, without the presence of spectators and without the use of locker rooms .
Ladies and gentlemen,
The measures are evaluated daily, while at the same time the situation in the reference hospital and the other hospitals is closely monitored and mainly the admissions in the Intensive Care Units. Currently the situation is manageable, however the conditions of the pandemic are volatile and the data can be turned upside down at any time, as we see happening in many other countries. I want to be honest with you: If the situation worsens, we will have no choice but to take tougher measures, if this is deemed to be the right decision.
The measures taken two weeks ago, but also those decided today, were based on socio-psychological factors. I recognize that fatigue has occurred and that the uncertainty caused by the pandemic disrupts the daily lives of all of us and affects us psychologically. I also acknowledge that due to fatigue, compliance with the measures becomes even more difficult. But as a Government we have a duty to put the protection of Public Health at the center of our decisions. Such a great mobilization is impossible without mistakes and omissions, for which I apologize to the citizens for the suffering of the last days. Our concern is to shield the Health System, so that it can meet the needs of our patients.
We have said many times that this effort requires great endurance. The alarm will only sound when there is vaccination coverage for a large portion of the population. The news from the scientific community fills us with optimism that the vaccine will be ready faster than expected. As you know, Cyprus has taken care in time to ensure sufficient quantities. These days, the vaccination program that we will implement in Cyprus is being formed, in order to give priority to our fellow human beings who are vulnerable, that is, to our chronic patients, our elderly, our parents, our grandparents, the health professionals.
I extend a warm appeal to you. I ask for your understanding and help. This year’s festivities will be unprecedented and we may be deprived of loved ones and things. But we need to stay focused on the great effort to save our health. To protect the Health System to withstand those who need it. Let us give this Christmas to the people we love, to all those we have to support and protect.
Thank you very much and I am at your disposal.
Source:pio.gov.cy
