Coronavirus: testing halted in north due to overdemand

Turkish Cypriot health authorities were forced to interrupt Covid screenings on Thursday morning after they were overwhelmed by the large number of people wanting to be tested, reports said.

According to Kibris Postasi newspaper, testing has been halted in the north after capabilities had been surpassed.

Screenings had been carried out at three centres.

Turkish Cypriots are dealing with a surge in cases and have imposed lockdowns in a bid to control the spread.

Authorities said infections were rising continuously, as they urged people to remain isolated at home.

Kibris Postasi said there are enough tests and screenings would restart with more centres opening.

Meanwhile, a group of Turkish Cypriot business people announced their support for a media campaign to speed up vaccinations in the north.

The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot chamber of commerce Gunay Cerkez donated some €12,000 to the campaign, expressing readiness to contribute more.

Two other businessmen, including the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot business association, also said they would be contributing towards the purchase of vaccines.