The advisory committee on Covid briefed President Nicos Anastasiades on the epidemiological situation on Tuesday and tabled suggestions to tackle the current surge in infections, which will be discussed by the cabinet on Thursday before any stricter measures are decided.

The briefing took place at the presidential palace with the participation of the ministers of health, labour and education, as well as representatives of the organisation of state health services.

Anastasiades was informed about the epidemiological situation, which experts in previous days said would probably get worse after the holidays, as well the capability of state hospitals, currently feeling the pressure as infections rise.

The president was also informed about the progress of the vaccination programme, expected to enter its second phase this week.

It is widely expected that the government will announce stricter measures later this week in a bid to rein in the spread of the virus. The experts’ proposals will be studied the ministries before any final decisions on Thursday.