Coronavirus: Violations delay return to normality, minister says

As Cyprus eased Covid restrictions, Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou expressed deep concern on Monday over health and safety violations, which marred the collective effort and delayed the return to normality.

Responding to criticism from various sectors, which either remained shut or were allowed to operate with restrictions, the minister also said it would have been good if they could satisfy all demands but something like that clashed with the objective data.

“Our objective was, and still is, the controlled exit from restrictions to avoid a setback that would lead to fresh prohibitions and trap us in a vicious circle with even worse social and financial effects,” Ioannou said in written statement.

The government eased some restrictions on Monday amid an uptick in infections, mainly in Limassol. The coastal town continues to record the highest number of cases, as well as violations of measures put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Authorities must now deal with complaints from those sectors, which were allowed to open that relaxations did not go far enough.

“Recommendations, views, and critique are respected,” the minister said. “We have proven that feasible recommendations are adopted as long as they are practically applicable, and mainly, do not endanger public health.”

Ioannou praised the “willingness and cooperation of the overwhelming majority” of people who must be credited with the good epidemiological results.

“At the same time however, I want to express deep concern over the fact that this very good image is marred by lack of discipline that constitutes disrespect towards the feelings of the people and neutralise many months of sacrifice and deprivation,” the minister said.

He appealed for cooperation in a bid to gain time to shield vulnerable people through vaccination.

“Quick exit from the restrictions is our desire too. There is no way however, that we will make hasty decisions that undermine the effort to return to safe conditions,” Ioannou said.

Pending the vaccination of vulnerable groups at least, health authorities base their containment strategy on mass testing to find and isolate infections fast, trace potential contacts, and the enforcement health protocols.

To be effective, the minister said, all three must be applied diligently.

Monday’s relaxations include the return of fourth and fifth-year high-school pupils to their classrooms and reopening of art centres and galleries.

Private institutions, gyms, dance schools, and other sports facilities were also allowed to open but under strict protocols.

Only private training is permitted in gyms, while institutions can only have one pupil each time.

Pupils and teachers must also undergo testing on a weekly basis.