Coronavirus: Relaxation of measures considered certain, could all be lifted by March (update 2)

The relaxation of coronavirus measures after January 31 is considered certain, with the scientific team of the ministry of health backing the path followed last May and June, after the first wave of the pandemic in Cyprus.

Quoting sources, the Cyprus News Agency reported on Sunday the scientific team, which will meet President Nicos Anastasiades on Monday, has already formulated its suggested measures.

A final decision will be taken by the Council of Ministers, which is scheduled to meet on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, member of the Scientific Committee and Professor of Microbiology/Molecular Virology at the University of Nicosia Medical School Dr Petros Karayiannis told CNA that lifting of all restrictions could be possible by March, if epidemiological figures allow and there is no setback.

He also said the aim for daily cases to drop to two digit numbers next week is possible.

The same CNA source said that while the moves of May and June last year will be followed they will be changed according to suggestions of relevant ministries.

It is thought that as relaxations will not allow mass movement and gathering, the sending of an SMS before leaving the house will remain in place, with the number allowed rising from two to three, although this could be dropped all together in the middle of February.

It is believed the first sectors of the economy to reopen will be retail, hairdressers and beauty parlours.

How this will impact children returning to school is yet to be worked out.

Karayiannis said that the data from next week could provide encouragement for the easing of measures, especially if new Covid cases fall under 100, which is the ideal target.

He said that if cases decrease, it is easier to contain possible clusters.

The same source said two scenarios are being looked at for the return of children to school. The first is the gradual return of all students starting with those in primary, while the second would see final year students return first.

The final call will be made by the minister of education.

The opening of malls and catering establishments will be discussed during the second phase of relaxations, the same source said.

Karayiannis also said that since there is transmission in the community, the restrictions on movement must remain in place to contain the spread and avoid a setback in all that has been achieved in recent weeks.